Hi Debra

Sorry to hear about your problem. IANAD and Internet based opinions are just that.

I have had a finger amputated, although not due to Dupuytren's, and know two other people who have had fingers amputated due to Dupuytren's .

Amputation of 'just' a finger, may not be an easy option in itself.

I had a pinkie removed. My own recovery took a year with physio, and now in my senior years I (obviously) have reduced grip strength as a result. In a way I was lucky because the knuckle joint, MCP, was removed and my hand looks sculpted so most people don't even notice.

A colleague had his pinkie removed. The recovery from infection and swelling took six months. His MCP is in place so there is the appearance of a sharp 'step' which apart from aesthetics can catch on edges, things, and that can be painful.

The third person I know had a better physical recovery, although again the MCP joint remains. But in his case he suffers from phantom pains and sensations that can be difficult to cope with.

So given that, IMHO and for myself, it would be worth finding the best and most experienced hand surgeon you can and seeing if he/she would attempt one more surgery to repair the DD claw, since there will likely be a period of recovery in either case. You may feel different though and not willing to repeat yet again, possibly twice over, what you have already done so far.

Best wishes with your decision.
SB

Edited 09/28/14 21:47

bekkerd1:

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I have had surgery for Dupuytren's. It was very unsuccessful, due to a number of factors - prime among them being my surgeon's lack of post-op instructions (he went away for 4 weeks 2 days after my surgery). As a result I didn't do any physio (I was not aware I had to until it was too late). I now have a claw.

My question is: Is there any remote chance of correcting the finger with further surgery? (My surgeon and another surgeon have recommended amputation).

I am a South African living in Kuwait and I am considering going to South Africa for surgery, but don't want to do this if there is no chance for the situation to improve.

I have photographs of my hand from before surgery and in stages after surgery. I would just like someone to take a look and tell me whether I should undergo further surgery.

Please can someone help me?

Thanks and kind regards

Debra Bekker