Randy H,
If you are trying to provoke an argument, you don't have one here. I agree with most everything you said. Why the combativeness (or whatever you want to call it) in your message? There will still be many occasions when surgery is the only answer. NA is not appropriate for every situation of DC and most people who know, realize that. It is good that there is a choice, but I'm not going to try to talk anyone in to either procedure. I just know my surgery was very successful, but that doesn't mean that I wouldn't consider NA in the future.

Randy H,
I don't care what procedure anyone chooses, but I'm not going to say one procedure is better than another. I have no idea what each persons situation is with DC. I will not try to sway anyones mind because I haven't experienced NA. If someone asks about surgery I can comment on that because of my experience.

I do read as many studies from medical journals that I can obtain. It is helpful for me because I have DC in other hand and Ledderhose Disease in both arches. My opinions come from reading all I can, not as a very few people on this forum complain that I have a vested interest in surgical procedures.

Sean,

You and I have much in common. Having had one hand surgery apiece, we both look with anguish at the disease growing in our respective "other hands" and ponder our fate. This must be the case. Otherwise, who on earth would scower every medical journal they can get their yet non-contracted hands on for further medical information? Sean, as text book perfect as yours was, you'll loose all credibility if you try and tell me you wouldn't love to avoid another traditional invasive fasciotomy, and another round of well-meaning physical therapists bending your recently scared fingers into curvatures that they would rather not. Let's face it. Even in the best of cases, traditional Dups surgery ain't no picnic. Anyone who says otherwise is in serious need of further medical assistance. Given the overwhelming testimonies of Americans who have experienced NA, I know not what course others might take, but as for me, give me USA NA.......or.....I'll fly to Paris.

Randy H,
I had a fasciectomy and even though it was "textbook", it was not nearly as bad (or not normal) as you write. I had no physical therapist painfully bending my fingers. I went to therapy twice and then did the rest myself. There was no pain involved. I just stretched the tissue continually, it didn't hurt. It didn't put me out of commission. It is now, almost two years later, the finger stil is as it was prior to DC. There is no visible scar, 0 contraction, 100% strength and total flexibility. Contrary to what you write, it would be tough for me to choose NA given the results I have had. I, without a doubt, will consider NA when the time comes. I read that normally a persons first surgery is the last one necessary and time will tell for me. The longer my surgery hand is in good shape, the more I will be inclined to choose surgery over NA.

It will be interesting to see how Dr. Eaton evaluates what he is doing. I will continue to read information and will have questions about both surgery and NA. I'm still looking for more information about the necessity to remove all of the diseased tissue. That is the feeling of most surgeons who are convinced that it is necessary for long term results. That is why the fasciectomy is preferred over the fasciotomy.

When you have been previously queried on many occasions you have refused to verify any of the sites or studies you profess to quote.

You might add a bit of credibility to your posts if you would divulge a source other than Moerman's now and then.

I have discussed the TRAUMA issue with many surgeons and NONE have acknowledged any correlation, however other physicians have informed me that reluctance is due to a fear of malpractice suits if TRAUMA is linked to surgery.

A release would have to be tendered to the patient prior to a procedure to absolve them of causing further injury.

It's as simple as that....