I had a " messed up" right hand pinkie that looked like a reversed letter Z, the PIP was bent at almost 90 degrees, the DIP joint was bent in reverse with the tip pulling upwards in a boutonniere deformity. Both joints were locked for a few years, I had NA on same finger in 2006 with another Dr. but the DD returned after a year.

Having heard wonderful things about Dr. Eaton, and combining a cruise and Florida vacation I decided to have NA with Dr. Eaton since I was going to be in Florida anyway.

Dr. Eaton took lots of time to examine my hands and explain the procedure. PIP joints of the small finger are the hardest to correct, especially in my case with the boutonniere deformity.

The procedure went very well. My finger is perfectly straight at the DIP joint, and the PIP joint is at around 25 degrees....a great improvement because both joints were frozen for so long and I didn't expect more than a 50% improvement on the PIP joint.

Just one week after NA, the swelling I had is completely gone, the finger looks even smaller than it did before NA...the PIP joint is completely flexible, although I still can't bend the DIP joint, but I am hoping this will resolve with exercise and/or phys. therapy. I am hoping this successful NA will last longer this time.

It was a pleasure to meet Dr. Eaton. He exceeded my expectations. He is very experienced and professional and at the same time very caring and friendly ...and he and his wife Valerie (who assists him during the NA) make you feel more like you are an old friend and not a patient. I felt very relaxed throughout the procedure.

Thanks Dr. Eaton...so far, I'm thrilled with the results....

Luba,

That is great. Let's hope it doesn't come back this time. After having successful NA, do you think RT an option for you at this time or not?

Thanks for posting your report.

Almost a month after my NA,.... my PIP continues to improve. I think the exercises with the Occupational Hand Therapist (OT) are helping. My PIP joint is at about 15 degrees (it was 90 before the NA). Now, if it only stays that way I'll be thrilled. I'm going 3x a week to the OT and sleeping with a night brace...we'll see !!!!!

I'm still waiting to hear from Dr. T. regarding my following it up with RT...(maybe after the May symposium...we will have more information about the benefits of RT following NA issue...)

Edited 04/07/10 18:24

I had NA in July 2006, and a repeat NA just 3 weeks ago on the same finger...two different doctors...

The first time I had swelling of the PIP small finger joint for months after the procedure, wore the night brace for a short time and had therapy with an OT (occupational hand therapist) ...the contracture came back after six months...

The results with Dr. Eaton were much better this time, even though the contracture was more severe and in addition to the PIP contracture I had a boutonniere deformity on the DIP joint... no swelling at all after the NA...My thinking is to wear the night brace longer in the hope that the contracture will not return so soon.

Edited 04/08/10 03:36