Hi David

It depends how tight the contracture is. The inside skin can be compromised by fungal infections especially if there is no access for some cleaning or drying. The joints will likely suffer irreversible damage due to tight tendons, ligaments and capsule changes, so although you may get some relief with surgery the improvements after surgery might be a disappointment. This latter consideration is a discussion for you and the surgeon, and in your place I would probably ask for the contracture to be improved but be prepared for some recurrence with eventual view to ray amputation of it does come back (personal view). You know that Bill Nighy lives with the condition on multiple fingers and considers it part of his self? This sounds a bit like your attitude about it maybe.

Best wishes SB

What are stages of DC, I am currently at 90 degrees little finger?

Now that is a really good question. My doctor always told me that when I was ready to tackle the unpleasantness and daily complications of DC then it is time to try fixing the issue. Daily tasks can be frustrating as DC progresses and harder on the body to fix… in my opinion. The longer it has time to progress the more difficult the process is to repair the damage. Even with xiaflex.

I actually ended up getting DC from power washing the house every summer. Since xiaflex injections 2011 DC has not reoccurred in my hand, and of course I do not power wash. I have lost some fine motor skills in my hand holding things by fingers or opening containers and fine motor movements. It’s a good thing we have 2 hands. It is easily solved with all the helper gadgets available.
Since Xiaflex I am ‘Mindful ‘ of how I use my hands “ in order to maintain the use of both hands.

I also have another form of DC in both feet called Ledderhose. Can be snaky and nodules can get quite bid. I have developed shoe inserts nd soft insoles to cope. There are several large nodules directly on my arches. Also have Morton’s nerve in toes. With todays shoes on the market it’s much easier to find good comfortable shoes. I have not found any scientific studies or therapies yet that has a successful track record for treating Ledderhose in feet .