Hi Jennifer,

In answer to your question, yes, there is a "progressive" and highly qualified hand surgeon in L.A. who offers a treatment for Dupuytrens which is much less invasive than traditional surgery. It's referred to as needle aponevrotomy, or N.A.

Neither surgery nor N.A. are normally performed until there is an actual contraction, however.

I strongly recommend that you read up on N.A. now so that you will know about that option if your brother gets to the point of needing intervention for his Dups. In all probability he can avoid the kind of surgery your mother has experienced.

Scoll down the main list of topics to June 6, '06, and you will find the most recently updated list of doctors who offer N.A. You'll find Dr. Benhaim's name at the bottom--he's in L.A. But if you visit the websites listed under some of the other doctors' information, you'll find a wealth of information both about Dupuytrens in general and about the N.A. procedure specifically.

I hope you find that information helpful and reassuring!

Best wishes,

Susan

hi
the radiotherapy sounds promising... however i can't find where it is offered anywhere in the states?? does anyone know of any hospital specifically?
thank you everyone for all your help
jennifer