Hi Stef,

I guess you are aware of the reports about using spliting preventively but maybe others are interested as well. The statistics of these reports are generally bad, just a few patients, but indication is that it might work, maybe combined with massaging.

Ball C and Nanchahal J (2002) The Use of Splinting as a Non-Surgical Treatment for Dupuytren’s Disease: a Pilot Study, Br J Hand Ther 7: 76-78.

Larocerie-Salgado J1, Davidson J (2012) "Nonoperative treatment of PIPJ flexion contractures associated with Dupuytren's disease." J Hand Surg Eur 37(8):722-7.
"Nighttime static extension splinting and soft tissue mobilization techniques appear to delay and possibly prevent the need for surgery"

And, of course, the "Controversy: Splinting for Dupuytren Contracture" by Adrian Chojnowski , Wolfgang Wach, Ilse Degreef in P. Werker et al. (eds) "Dupuytren Disease and Related Diseases - The Cutting Edge" (Springer 2016) https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.100...-319-32199-8_44

Wolfgang

Hi Ed
Over recent years I had splints made by Dr Meinel of Wuerzburg Germany for both my index fingers. The fixxglove was not practicable for me and too heavy. The latest splints are only 50 grams and 100 grams respectively and push over the finger similar to the old finger stall. The splint has a small amount of silicone inside and is made from thermoplastic and the backing rod is made of Bolus Pelletts (from Orfit Industries) so the splint is rigid . The back of the splint was split with scissors before the thermoplastic solidified to allow it to push over the pip joint. A small length of cohesive bandage is wrapped around the splint which holds it in position.
Very comfortable to wear. My right index has zero contraction and the other 15 degree which was the degree after NA Easter 2015.

Edited 03/02/17 09:09

Hi Ed. I'm at the beginning of my Dupuytrens journey. I have some symptoms in both palms, but only a very little bit of contracture in my right pinky finger. And that started as soon as I came out of a splint after a wrist break and surgery. So maybe Dupuytrens or maybe somehow a result of the injury and surgery. (I know sometimes trauma seems to affect Dupuytrens progression.) I've been using a compression glove at night--at first for swelling, but now hoping to slow down/avoid contractures. It doesn't keep my hand absolutely straight, but close enough for now, I think. I'm glad to read about your experience, and I hope you keep us informed about any good or bad news in the future. I will do the same, hoping for continued good news for both of us.

How do the sizes run on these? I measured my hand and seem to be a medium, but I often take a large in regular gloves.

I wanted to provide an update. My hand is still able to lay flat on a table. The fixxglove continues to work.

Ed