Hi,
My Dad (who is a "young" 60) was diagnosed w/ Dupuytren's about a month ago. He saw a board certified hand surgeon this week - who has experience in treating Dupuytren's.... The surgeon told my Dad that he has progressed past the point of surgery. He said that where his condition is presently that it normally takes 5 years to get there! We know for fact that my Dad was 100% fine in January of this year because we all went bowling for a birthday party.
The surgeon said that to open up the hand and do invasive srugery would probably have diasterous results and end up affecting his other fingers.
He said that he would love to see my Dad get the collangese treatment (?spelling), but that it is still in clinical trials. The surgeon said that amputation of the small finger may be the only option.
I am devistated to hear this, as I have worked in the medical field for 15 years! Do any of you have comments? Advice? Alternative suggestions? My parents live in New England, I live in Florida. They are willing (and able) to travel if it means an alternative to amputation.

Regards-
Nikki

The PIP joint of the little finger (pinkie) particularly difficult to treat. I had surgery on my left pinkie a few years ago and the results were poor - it was eventually left frozen at 45 degrees. It's ugly but , I can still type with it so I'm glad I still have it. In extreme cases, amputation is still talked about - I thnk it's suggested if the bent-up finger is interfering with a person's ability to work, for example if the person is a machinist or does hard manual work. In that case one might be better off without it.

Personally I would not go that route even if a surgeon recommended it, I would wait for a better treatment unless the crooked finger was driving me nuts.

Thanks for such quick & informative responses! I am looking at the sites mentioned and passing everything on to my parents.
This forum is great!! Hopefully we will find an alternative (that works) to amputation!
Nikki