Hello~I developed the first Dupuytren nodule in about March of last year, and since then two more have surfaced. There's very little contracture, but boy, do those little puppies ache sometimes! Two different hand surgeons diagnosed it, and both told me to return when it worsened!!! I was given literature on Dupuytren's, the first sentence of which was, and I quote, "The only way to treat Dupuytren's contracture is surgery"!!!

I just couldn't believe this - wait until something worsens before fixing it!? So I dug around until I found the Dupuytren Society and the wealth of information offered. From that information I learned about early radiation treatment, and was able to track down a radiologist at Emory University-Atlanta, who is familiar with the German protocol. I just need to be referred by a doctor, so I'm returning to the orthopedic surgeon who gave me the literature, to ask for a referral.

I also want to take him my literature regarding the radiation therapy (I'm still furious that he knew no better!), and was wondering if anyone could suggest a good website for the best concise, "official" information possible. I plan to print it out and present it to him; after, of course, I've pointed out the error of his information!

Thanks in advance for the help, and for just being there!
Linda Sarka

I anticipate you may have trouble getting that RT referral from your hand surgeon. They have no training or prior experience about RT as a viable treatment option for Dupuytrens. If you do, see if you can get a referral from your family doctor, they might be more willing to listen. I don't think it matters who the referral is from. If you need one from a specialist, try D. Kay Kirkpatrick at Resurgens. She has worked with Dr. Eaton on some Dupuytren committees with the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.

One more thing, I had RT in Birmingham, Alabama and did not need a referral. Lori (another poster here) had her RT doctor call the RT dept. at UAB and they agreed to see me and handle direct. They followed the German protocol as well. That might be another option if you get run into a problem with the referral.

Hi Flora,
I am sorry to hear that you now have Ledderhose in addition to your DD. Of my two NA's on the right hand pinkie, and the RT on my left hand and left foot, my RT treatment for my left foot was the most successful of all. The nodules on my foot shrunk so much that you can barely feel them, and no new nodules have appeared on my foot. If you decide to do RT on your foot, I hope it is successful for you.

By the way, did you ever get Medicare to approve your RT treatment at Loma Linda?

Linda, this could be the best information from what could be considered a third party direction.

http://www.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/800_899/0800.html