Is there a distinction between "hand surgeon" and "plastic
surgeon?" Yes and no; however, under these (Dupuytren's)
circumstances, "NO; there is no difference between wrong
and poor choice." The procedure/remedy in question is
"surgery versus non-surgery." As there is no known cure
for Dupuytren's contractures, the answer is moot.
The sincere answer proferred by your attending physician
may relect many relevant factors, including lack of knowledge, and/or lack of experience. Fortunately, DD/DC
is not life-threatening in early stages and minimally-invasive corrective procedures exist (including, now in the
USA.)Your Doctor is great! He/she just does not know about
Dupuytrens. My Internist diagnosed it and was amazed to see the result obtained by Dr. Badois. My Internist anticipated
Z-plasty with asociated healing. I have been seeing my Doctor for 30 years. He is on staff at one of the premiere
teaching hospitals in the world. He acknowledges that we
do not "know" everything, and must stay within parameters
of "orthodox" approaches. Be prudent; dialog with your Doctor. Mention NA and see a recognized practioner of NA
for a consultation. In the USA that includes Dr. Charles Eaton in Jupiter Florida (and, by extension, Dr Bourland
in Memphis, Tenn.) It is your hand; decide who you want
correcting the stage you are at. Traditional hand surgery
has its merits; and is considered "appropriate" treatment."
Needle aponevrotomy is an "intervention" and not considered
definitive treatment. Ethics preclude US practitioners from
providing substandard treatment. Thus the dilemma: short-term solutions that work (NA,) versus often debilitating long term solutions that sometimes work. US medicine is rethinking its traditional position on this point; the point is patient oriented: do no harm. As case studies
emerge, the lesser harm is tipping the scale for some
practioners. Litigation is less of a concern in Europe.
NA is a treatment, not a cure. US insurance is a factor.
Meanwhile have NA and you can sort out the issues over a
few years. Repeat NA, if the medical establishment is still
in a quandry. Conversely, hand surgery is typically a one
time opportunity that precludes less aggressive (NA) intervention at a later date. Personally, I go to the
world's most experienced practioners. Hey, what do I know?
I am only a US Dentist; my livelihood depends on my hands.
I have options. Personally, I am not going to Memphis. I
might go to Jupiter in a few years. Meanwhile, I am trusting my hands to the Doctors with 20-30 years experience. Fortunately, they speak a few languages including "American." Send pictures; have a consult.
Hand surgery or NA? US or Europe. Insurance or out of pocket. Hand-use or disabilitiy. Get started now!