I am a 56 year old male, a UK resident and NHS patient. My post is fairly extensive, but is posted in order to identify other members who have experienced similar post Dupytren's complications and who may be able to provide some constructive feedback based on their own experiences etc.

6 months ago I had Dupytren's surgery on my right hand to improve function arising from contraction on 3 fingers....my little, ring and middle finger. I also have a similar problem on my left hand, in fact problem is becoming more pronounced on my second hand as it extends to 4 fingers, the three referenced above....and my thumb. Before embarking on a second operation (ie on left hand) I want to be sufficiently recovered from my first operation. The care I have received has for the main part been excellent, but i have experienced certain post surgery "complications" which were not highlighted to me prior to surgery, and appear to be somewhat unusual !?

Firstly, I experienced significant stiffening of all my fingers ( w/ exception of thumb) post surgery and it took 3 months for my finger flexure to be restored to a reasonable standard. To overcome such stiffening required extensive physio exercises. Prior to surgery i had been advised that typically hand function returns to normal after say 6 weeks to 2 months, but I was told that I had been a bit unlucky in part due to extent of surgery involved. Thankfully, my finger flex is now much improved, although i still have to carry out intermittent exercises as i experience intermittent stiffening, in particular on a morning, and bizarrely when i am under stress.

There are , however, two other annoying and somewhat debilitating complications that have arisen post surgery , neither of which were highlighted to me prior to my surgery.

1) Immediately post surgery I noticed that my wrist and in particular the tendon extending from the base of my thumb was causing discomfort and had restricted flexure. At first this complication was secondary to the stiffening in my treated fingers and thus was largely overlooked. The complication has only mildly improved even 6 months after surgery and my wrist still feels relatively weak. I have tried ibruprofen, which only has a limited effect, and a physio has mentioned buying an oscillating powerball which can apparently build up muscle and presumably tendon strength over time. Has any member experienced a similar problem and/or obtained relief via use of a "NSD powerball/ gyroscope". I discussed my wrist tendon problem with my NHS consultant and they felt that it may just improve over time.....which in part sounded like an evasive answer.
2) My shoulder and upper are arm has now become sore and I am concerned that this may be the onset of a frozen shoulder which again i understand can be reasonably common for patients who are prone to Dupytren's contracture and who like me, are Insulin Dependant Diabetics. It is difficult to guage whether my shoulder pain, which to date is only mildly debilitating, yet annoying, is a post surgery complication...or a just a pure coincidence. Regardless, links on this site appear to indicate that if i do in fact have the early stages of a "frozen shoulder" then there are physio exercises which can restore shoulder function and movement. The powerball referenced in 1) above may also be beneficial.

Any feedback on the above would be appreciated. Clearly, I could harass the UK NHS to carry out MRI scans etc, but resources are limited and thus sadly my annoying complications may possibly not be taken as seriously as may otherwise be the case !

Edited 12/09/12 15:33

Welcome to the forum findthespot. I think that stiffness is a common side effect after Dupuytrens's surgery, but usually resolves with physical therapy, healing and time unless some other complication of the surgery has arisen. Such as tendon sheath or pulley damage, scarring, joint problems such as the onset of rheumatoid arthritis, a flare or algodystrophy. What does your surgeon say, specifically?

I still think time is on your side, as although 6 months seems long I have known people who have had hand surgery that took up to a year to 18 months to recover. The converse is some people recover very quickly, and a lot is often down to the skill of the surgeon. Was he a hand AND Dupuytren's specialist.

I would maintain physical therapy but not overdo it. I would personably advise against the use of a gyroscopic power ball. I used to use one to maintain wrist and forearm strength for tennis, but found it too harsh compared to other wrist and hand strengthening exercises, and the grip needed places undue strain on the hand.

I think in your case, I would first try to get answers from the hand surgeon, and if that fails seek a referral to another for a second opinion and further advice.

Edited 12/09/12 16:26

You should ask about Xiapex or NA as options for treatment of the left hand.

There may be clinical reasons why they say not, but if so you should know what they are and understand those reasons.