Yes, I had a surgery 4 years ago which involved removing quite a bit of dupuytrens tissue and then instattling the digit widget. i had to use the dw device for 6 weeks or so to put tension on the joint while healing. I did end up with a good result. Unfortunately the dupuytens started to come back in one of the joints (two were affected) . This had been my second surgery in 1.5 years and I was concerned about having reapeated surgeries. so i consulted an NA practitioner and had na. the result was good and so far has held pretty well.

It sounds like your case is pretty severe. I have heard of using the digit widget before the main surgery - i corresponded with someone who had that done at Mayo clinic.

The digit widget itself was not terribly painful. actually the whole surgery was not too painful. i was given a pile of pain pills and used only about two. with the dw in place, i was able to drive and do most household things if i covered it with a sock. but I only had it on one finger. distal joijnt and pip joint were both curved 50 degrees or so.

digit widget has a very good web site that tells you a lot about the device.

If you would like to chat off the site, my email is dsonder@suddenlink.net. i can tell you some things that make life simpler with a digit widget and forward some pictures.

hope this helps. is your surgeon in San Francisco?

Diane