New data on NA were presented in Groningen 2015 http://www.dupuytrensymposium.com/program_2015.php (session 5, NA is often also called Percutaneous Needle Fasciotomy and abbreviated as PNF). Comparison of long term results is always difficult because patients are reacting differently and you need many of them and long-term observation to come to a reliable conclusion. Overall it seems that NA and collagenase are about the same and holding typically for maybe 3 years, while surgery is better in that respect but does more damage, has more side effects, and a much longer rehab. I myself had surgery and NA and would personally prefer NA.

Wolfgang

Dear All,

I had my third NA treatment with Dr David Dilly 2 months ago. It was extremely successful again. The little finger of my right hand was about 90 degs at the PIP and now it's about 10! Also, he opened up the web ( between thumb and forefinger ) from about 45 degs to 90 which made a big big difference to what I could pick up. ( Typically Australian, David expressed that as going from a half pint beer glass to a pint ).

I use splints at night after each treatment for about 4 months and when I feel that the finger is bending in again. I also stick silicone tape on the DC tissue under the splints - this seems to have a softening effect. I also do a series of exercises devised by the wonderful people at Sydney Hand Therapy centre ( who also made the splints ).

I am also treating myself with a Sanakey device ( www.nshealth.com.au ) which is a more advanced form of Tens Machine technology. I'm convinced that this is helping reduce and soften the remaining DC tissue.

Prior to becoming aware of and having my first treatment with David Dilly in 2010, I had my first NA treatments ( both hands ) with Dr Lermusiaux, the inverter of NA, in Paris in 2008. Since Dr L's retirement, I have also had a treatment with a former protege of Dr L, Dr Manet-Chopin. All of these treatments were amazingly successful with very little in the way of recovery time. I find that I need to repeat NA treatments about every 3 years, which is fine.

Regarding Mosmangirl's question about nodules on her foot ( this is called Ledderhose Disease ): as you say David doesn't treat this but Dr Manet-Chopin in Paris does. You may want to consider contacting her ( Her details are on the Dupes website. Btw: I have had mild Ledderhose ( plus the other associated syndromes ) for over 35 years i.e. before my first DC, but it has never caused me a problem and has never progressed.

My first treatment for DC was a conventional operation in 1994 performed by the wonderful Prof Bruce Conolly At St Luke's in Sydney. Very, very successful but months of recovery and re-hab. However, on the up side, there has been no reoccurrence of the DC in that part of my left hand.

I hope this info helps some of you. Please feel free to ask more questions.

Cheers,


Brian

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