Cindy, you are posting on the BTC web site. BTC is the
developer of a form of Collagenase, an enzyme that dissolves
collagen the building block of connective tissue. Two separate "trial studies" are being conducted. One is A Stanford U. in Palo Alto, CA. The other is at SUNY-Stoney Brook in NY. Results seem promising; apprroval and training
are off in the future. No one knows if or when the treatment will become available. You can learn more about BTC and collagenase by clicking on the "Information" button
to the left of threads. Imagine meat tenderizer; the colagenase is injected into the palm area in minute amounts
over several weeks disolving the fibers and weakening the
bands that bind the finger tendons. Ultimately, the bands are released. (Hopefully, nothing else dissolves.) Hope this
helps. Read up on Needle Aponevrotomy also as another approach. Talk to your Doctor about your options.

Pablo is correct.

Also, Dupuytrens does vary from person to person. In some, it is very aggressive, while in others it does not move beyond the nodule stage. Vitamin C and glucosamine are to be avoided. In my case, I've had nodules for several decades, but no contracture -- but I am in an active preventative mode. I've greatly limited vitamin C and have increased vitamin E, and it appears to have had a moderating result. I'm presently trying lecithin, but it's too soon to report, although nodules do appear to be getting softer. The other important thing is to be moderate in alcohol consumption. And, try to limit harsh impact on the hands.

Good luck to all.

Besides helping just a relatively few patients, what Dr. Eaton has **really** done is to create a medically respectable "beach head" for the invasion of NA into the US. The channel 6 piece is a terrific opportunity for those of us who have a relationship with a Dups surgeon to help educate them. Most of our docs won't listen to us mere mortals, but this short human interest piece adds so much legitimacy and credibility to NA we can't miss this opportunity to get our docs heads out of the sand. Send your doc this link:

http://www.local6.com/money/2856938/detail.html

The "Internet" referred to in the news piece is **THIS SITE**. Let's take every opportunity to leverage the success we've had strike while the iron is still hot. The news piece will not be available for ever, so DO IT NOW!

(Walt, you're famous!!!)

Injectable Collagenase isn't available yet and is quite possibly still years away.

There is a topical treatment by Prescription Dispensing Laboratories (http://www.pdlabs.net/) but it's effectiveness is very questionable.

Needle aponevrotomy (referred to as NA in this forum) is the best choice today but you'd have to travel to Europe or the U.S. (Florida). And success isn't guaranteed, especially on a PIP joint that's had one surgery already (like yours and mine).

The supposed link with alcohol is very questionable. I believe the study involved veterans - older men, who would have a higher frequency anyway. It may be accellerated by alcoholism. I don't think it's connected with physical use or RSI either - though possibly with trauma. DC is almost certainly genetic in my opinion.