For those new to this site, the following is the most comprehensive medical web page I have seen yet regarding Dupuytren Contracture. As an American "medical" sight it is not strong on alternatives to surgery, but still highly informative. Please add any other sites of similar quality.

http://www.emedicine.com/orthoped/topic81.htm

The more educated among us may find it encouraging that that "Collagenase percutaneous needle fasciotomy" is mentioned, but true to form, no mention of the "French" needle, only the new American one.

Note: the COST to perform the Phase III FDA Collagenase trial at the third of the three locations is now being negotiated by BioSpecifis. It's a fair bet that the nature of the delays have been budgetary. Let's hope this deal can be struck. I will update when I learn of anything definite and concrete.

Mac

You doc may confuse the US collagenase injections under study this with the "French Needle" which doesn't inject anything, but only cuts the scar tissue chord and releases the contracted finger. Either way, I recommend you avoid the knife FOREVER if you can. If I knew then what I know now, I would have gone to Paris. I had one of the best in the business cut me, but after four months I can't type normally. My hand therapist says two to four more months. Also, the trauma has spread the disease.

Listen to the guys who have been to Europe, I have not.......but I will in a heart beat should I need to.