First post, just wanted to add my Fixxglove experience so far, as may be relevant to the questions about using early in the process.

I had undiagnosed nodules for a few years, then right pointer finger PIP contraction for 1-2 years. Eventually saw orthopedist for the contraction. He is the biggest Xiaflex user in the area, so presumably knows what he is doing (though, thanks to this board, should I ever need it I will seek out NA rather than Xiaflex). Measured me at 10 degrees with full effort at voluntary (intrinsic muscle driven) extension - though I could still get to 0 using external (other hand) force. Also, the left hand had started to feel "claw like" - hard to explain but it just didn't feel like my hand anymore even though it still worked fine, no actual contractions, but nodules and I think an incipient chord. Ortho told me to come back when I was at 30 degrees, or make regular appointments to check for that, and that there was nothing to do in the meantime but wait.

Started stretching both hands twice daily. Palm flat on table, and also extension of the affected digit. Fixxgloves on both hands at night. Augmented the left glove with external velcro strap for additional hold down across the palm (note that this is specifically *against* suggested usage as instructions note that the device is *not* for stretching). Within 2-3 weeks, I could voluntarily fully extend the contracted finger. It still has a slight contraction when at rest, but I can fully extend using just the intrinsic muscles, and I do this periodically during the day. The other hand I could feel the oddest sensation for the first few glove nights - neither stretching, nor pain, but clearly something different happening in the nighttime routine of the tissue. Within about 2 weeks, I was waking up with the left hand feeling completely normal, no more claw, and during the day those odd reminders of the hand issues during chopping vegetables, weeding, general hand use...were pretty much gone.

Seven months later the left hand is still a normal hand with nodules that have no apparent effect on anything, but if I neglect to wear the glove for more then a night I can feel the claw return a bit, and when I restart it after such a hiatus I again get that odd tissue sensation noted above but the hand loses the clawing after 1 night. The right hand with the (formerly) contracted finger seems more robust against not wearing the glove.

Been about 7 months now and hoping things continue as they have. Likely be wearing these until the cure is found...

Dear kimlet,

Why not consider radiotherapy for early intervention in the hand which has only nodules ?
That appears to be the earliest option to intervene and stop the further disease progression ?

Best regards and good success with Your FIXXGLOVE continuous stretching program, Prof. Seegenschmiedt

Edited 02/03/19 23:22

Well here I am again after half a dozen years considering the Fixx glove again. I just had my sixth or seventh? NA, this time with Dr. Denkler on my right hand (go back in 3 months for my left hand) and it was much more successful than the one I had with him 3 years ago, we're both very pleased. He is now recommending the Fixx glove, has a link on his hand out but didn't discuss it with me directly.

I just had a custom splint made today (I wore splints on both hands after my NA in 2015 but stopped after 2 years because of...life) but think I will get a Fixx glove also. My NA Friday was on pinky, ring, and for the first time-- middle finger and thumb web.

Here are my questions: 1) anyone had thumb web NA or a thumb web cord that is using the glove? How does it feel on that area? 2) it appears in the US only one model of glove is sold. I can't tell from the picture whether the splint covers the PIP joint, does it? If not, how can it be effective if that's the joint one wants to straighten?

Any other advice or suggestions? in my left hand, my index finger and middle finger are affected and I don't relish the thought of a five finger glove for this but I've read it's probably not a good idea to cut out any fingers. Comments? I will have three months to try out the right-hand one before my scheduled left hand surgery in June.

Thanks in advance, Diane

spanishbuddha:

---

Hi moondance, the Fixxglove does indeed cover the PIP joint. Not however the thumb or index finger. You can adjust a little the bit the curve of the splinted fingers. There’s a model with the metal splints on the palm side and one with them on the top/dorsal side, I can’t say which is better it’s probaby a personal preference but if you have large nodules or cords the palm side version might rub, and large Garrods pads the dorsal side version might rub. I guess you have seen the discussion on using an ice cream wooden stick and glove as an alternative?

Hi Moondance. In case you are referring to what I posted about the cycling glove rigidified with an ice cream stick four years ago and keep using:

https://www.dupuytren-online.info/Forum_...2023&page=1

I have only tried it on the pinky, though. Good luck.

Stef

[56, Dupuytren diagnosis 2006, RH contracture and PNF/NA 2014, radiotherapy RH 2015, LH 2017 & 2018, night splint glove RH since 2015]