Hello, Ranger Tim (57) here. I just had Needle Aponevrotomy (NA) done to my right pinkie/palm by Dr. David Kline in Boise, Idaho. Wonderful man and wonderful results! I had contracture of approximately 35-40 degrees and involvement of the MIP and PIP joints. It had progressed to this point over a ten year period and I have been watching for when I felt it should be corrected. When no longer able to wash hands easily and grip efficiently I decided it was time. I was not aware of the latest radiation therapies available.

Dr Kline was able to consult and treat (NA) my hand in less than an hour. He was also very informative and up front about the prognosis. I am extremely pleased with the outcome after having dealt with the slow contraction over the last few years. Perhaps once again I will be able to reach the shift key with my little finger!!!

Yes, I will probably be back in a few years, maybe even less time, but I am encouraged by such a painless and low impact remedy to such a nagging problem. Recovery is amazing -- no pain, full extension and no scars to heal. Simply amazing. He educated me on the option of having follow-up radiation treatment for a more long term solution and I will probably opt for that next time. I have a nodule forming in my left hand as well so it will need to addressed eventually.

Thank you everyone for this website and for your contributions to the knowledge base. It is encouraging to read your stories.

Ranger Tim

Hi Tim, glad to hear about the very good results of your needle fasciotomy! By wearing a night splint you might be able to maintain your results better and escape recurrence for a while. The good news is, the older you get the slower Dupuytrens is coming back http://www.dupuytren-online.info/NA_side_effects.html. One of the benefits of age ...

Wolfgang

Hi I listened to a lecture given by Prof. Seegenschmiedt a couple of years back in Munich and from what I understood for patients ,who had aggressive dupuytrens ,then the option of RT after surgery might be beneficial . In my case in 2007 I developed numerous nodules within 4 weeks of Surgery and I did have RT to treat the Dupuytrens. I would not think it a good idea to just have Rt after NA on the off chance . Remember once the area has been irradiated it cannot be treated again .

Hi Tom,

radiotherapy for Dupuytren's may help to slow down growth of fresh nodules and to relieve pain. So far no studies have been published combining NA and RT or surgery and RT (but studies have been started). In case you develop new nodules after e.g. surgery, RT may be helpful. I mself used it for that purpose after surgery and was able to stop further growth of these nodules.

Wolfgang

yosh01:

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Stef,

What resources did you use to learn about RT after NA? I'm trying to find justification for the combined procedures.

Thanks,
Tom

Edited 08/31/16 14:09

Hi crate
Where did you have the treatment in Europe? Were you told to wear a night splint?