I went to my General Doctor with my hand pain only to learn I had Duupuytren. After much research on the subject I went to a hand specialist that did surgery. It is three weeks later and I have a larger knot than before and a new pad. I cannot make a fist and all of my fingers are stiff. When another Doctor in another state took out the stitches his comment was that it was not great success. This forum has helped me feel that the process of healing is slow and I need to let it take its time. Thanks to everyone for your information and finding out I am not alone in this process.

I did keep it elevated for about 2 days and I have kept it moist most of the time. I do not use a night splint because I had not been told about it by the doctor. The doctor was experienced with hand surgery but not a specialist, I have been doing exercise with the hand every day. I am an antique dealer and I have been trying to lift heavy pottery but just can not lift very heavy items. My finger was beginning to bend but was not very far along. I am diabetic and the doctor thinks this along with family history pointed to Dupuytren. I have alot of pain in my feet and it seems that have cords in both feet. This is all new for me so I appreciate any input about Dupuytren and how to deal with it.

I am wondering about the amount of experience but he does have good reputation for hand surgury. My GP was the first one to call it Dupuytren based on the look and feel, my dad and grandmother both had their hands curlling up in their later years. Dupuytren is very connected to being diabetic according to my diabetic doctor. I will check with them about the splint and if these larger knots are normal. There is alot to learn about Dupuytren and I appreciate any advice.

Callie, I very much agree with you that Dupuytren's surgery requires an experienced hand surgeon and even one who is specifically experienced with Dupuytren's. Marginal surgery, even if it has no immediate side effects, might result in early recurrence.

With regard to splinting after surgery the results are mixed. A recent British multi-center study did not find a benefit in splinting after surgery: http://pubget.com/paper/21693044
The authors conclude: "Given the added expense of therapists' time, thermoplastic materials and the potential inconvenience to patients having to wear a device, the routine addition of nighttime splinting for all patients after fasciectomy or dermofasciectomy is not recommended except where extension deficits reoccur."

Splinting after NA or collgenase injection might be different and useful. The above only refers to splinting after surgery.

Wolfgang

callie:

---

I think it is absolutely essential that Dupuytren's surgery be done by an experienced HAND surgeon. It seems that too many surgeries are being done by surgeons who think it is just another surgery.

A night time hand splint is generally considered very important for recovery. If this wasn't mentioned for you, you probably have been dealing with people with very little experience with Dupuytren's.

You said, "I am diabetic and the doctor thinks this along with family history pointed to Dupuytren". I am alarmed at that statement. It sounds like they were guessing.

You said, "My finger was beginning to bend but was not very far along". That is also interesting.

Edited 07/20/11 09:09

Wolfgang,

Again, thank you for the study. I wonder if the study will change the approach to night time splinting?

From Dr. Eaton: "After surgery, a therapy program of massage, wound care, exercises and night time splinting is important to get the best possible result and prevent recurrence. It is often helpful to wear a splint while sleeping for several months after surgery."