I had DC mostly in my thumb but also in my little finger with +/- 15 degrees contracture. NA done by Dr. Denkler released the cords in my thumb and in my little finger. All cords extended from my palm. Contracture affected the span between my little finger and my thumb and also across the thumb web to the forefinger. I had multiple nodules all over my palm and there was some tightness where there were no visible cords.

Because I did not have time on my personal schedule for 2 consecutive weeks sooner, I had RT done on my hand 3 months later. I completed that on July 12, 2009. The nodules have reduced significantly and continue to reduce. The tightness began to reduce after the first week of radiation and has continued to reduce. There is a little tightness, but I hope it continues to reduce. Span from my thumb to my little finger is almost equal to my left hand, about 2 degrees less. That has been getting better, too.

The itchy feeling of active Dups is gone. My grip is better.

For me, the combination worked well so far. I hope the radiation permanently stopped the progression of Dups in my right hand and have every reason to believe it has. The NA was necessary to release the cords because RT does not help where cords/scar tissue has already formed. Ideally, I would have had scheduled RT one month after NA.

I am very pleased with the treatment options I chose and with my NA and RT specialists.

I hope this helps you in making your decision for treatment and I hope all options available to you are covered by your insurance.

Flora

i am under 40 and had an operation 2 years ago to remove a nodule in my little finger. It has been a great success, however i have noticed a tightening in my thumb now and am worried that i may have to go through the whole proceedure again being that it (and the other) are on my dominant hand. I am a fine jeweller and i am worried my career is going to be cut short.
any words of advice would be welcome at this stage

This is a timely discussion for me. Looking back, I realize that my very first indication of DD was in my right thumb. although I didn't know it at the time. I "self-diagnosed" it as arthritis. After developing nodules, cords, etc., I was diagnosed with DD. My doctor said the issue I had with my thumb was not arthritis. So, my thumb was most involved. I had NA, then RT on my whole palm including all metatarsal joints and it is still doing okay.

For about 3-4 months, I have the same problem in my left thumb - when I exercise and support myself on my hands, my left thumb feels tight and there is discomfort/slight pain in the metatarsal joint - exact same feeling as in my right thumb.

Wolfgang, I have been thinking that I should go back to Dr. T who did my other RT and consider getting RT now on my left thumb. Sounds like you think that would be something I should check out.
Flora

Oops! You're right! To be clear, I'm talking about the first joint of the fingers where the palm joins the fingers. I think those are the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP joints).

Thanks for catching me! Really!

Flora