My wife (47) had a traditional DC operation almost a year ago, because her right-hand little finger was starting to bend over. The surgery apparently went fine; no nerve damage.

However, post-surgery, the doctor immobilized her hand for nearly a month in a cast nearly to the elbow. When the cast was removed, her fingers (three of them were affected) are locked and are the consistency of cement. A corrective operation five months later, on three of these messed up fingers was unsuccessful. She's basically lost the use of her dominant right hand, as well as severe pain from a related frozen shoulder.

Question: Was this related to the immobilization and lack of post-surgery follow-up, or just plain dumb bad luck?

Sleepless in San Diego

Dear Graham,

I'm so sorry to hear about your wife's situation. Sounds like you definately need a second opinion on her situation - perhaps even a third. Make sure the second opinions come from a Certified Hand Surgeon in your area (even better if the doctor has lots of experience with DC).

Good luck and God Bless,

Anon

I've had any number of surgerys for DC. Prior to the latest one (Feb. 1) my hand was imobilized for about 10 days. Until the stiches came out. This time it was imobilized for less than 48 hours and the difference in mobility is amazing. I have always regained full mobility, but this time it took less than two weeks not two months.

Note this was extensive surgery involving two different procedures each on two different fingers and interior web on the same hand. I was in OR for more than 5 hours.

And before anyone brings it up, because of the extensive scar tissue already in the hand, NA is not indicated.