Dupuytren's contracture
Discussion
I've suffered with this for ages, 15yrs ago i had a partially successful op on one finger. Since then just decided to live with it.
Starting to get painful now, particularly if I'm doing heavy work with my hands, so I've booked an appointment to start the ball rolling again.
Does anyone know if treatment has improved, happy to go privately if need be.
Starting to get painful now, particularly if I'm doing heavy work with my hands, so I've booked an appointment to start the ball rolling again.
Does anyone know if treatment has improved, happy to go privately if need be.
Nico Adie said:
Triamcinolone injections for Dupuytren's have shown to be pretty effective, more so than a needle fasciotomy. Would be worth enquiring with private providers if you have the money. The next "step up" from that would be a Fasciectomy (almost certainly under a GA), and further still a Dermofasciectomy (again, almost certainly and even more likely to be under GA). It'll obviously depend on how advanced/severe your condition is WRT the course of treatment. I've been lucky enough to observe all of these procedures in theatre. Also, don't forget the post-op physio exercises!
Here's a wonderful site full of images of the various procedures pre, peri and post-op:
https://eatonhand.com/img/img00000.htm
I am not a doctor, but I co-ordinated a huge research study into Dupuytren's about 10 years ago, got a bottle of Dom Perignon for my troubles. Which was nice.
Oh thanks, i had a partially successful procedure 15yrs ago. It involved an injection, some time for it to dissolve the crystals then (under local) a vigorous manipulation of the digit. Strange to feel the crack as the tendon released.Here's a wonderful site full of images of the various procedures pre, peri and post-op:
https://eatonhand.com/img/img00000.htm
I am not a doctor, but I co-ordinated a huge research study into Dupuytren's about 10 years ago, got a bottle of Dom Perignon for my troubles. Which was nice.
Sounds like things have moved on a bit.
Moz said:
I'm 49 and have had 7 surgeries, including 3 skin grafts and a partial amputation.
It's my experience that you absolutely must go private. I've had so many hash jobs on the NHS that it impacted future surgical options.
Look up Donald Sammut. His care has been first class and he's cheaper than I expected.
Thank you, a useful link. A bit of googling indicates £3-4k, I'm assuming per digit. It's my experience that you absolutely must go private. I've had so many hash jobs on the NHS that it impacted future surgical options.
Look up Donald Sammut. His care has been first class and he's cheaper than I expected.
Edited by PositronicRay on Thursday 11th August 16:26
NorthDave said:
There is a product available in the US which they inject in to the tendon and it breaks down the lumps. It was available on the NHS for a short time but seems to have been removed - possibly due to cost.
Just googled and it is called Xiaflex. Not sure if it is available privately or just in the US but seems easier than surgery.
I think i had this or something very similar 11 yrs ago, funded by BUPA. It was only partially successful. Just googled and it is called Xiaflex. Not sure if it is available privately or just in the US but seems easier than surgery.
pavarotti1980 said:
Moz said:
I'm 49 and have had 7 surgeries, including 3 skin grafts and a partial amputation.
It's my experience that you absolutely must go private. I've had so many hash jobs on the NHS that it impacted future surgical options.
Look up Donald Sammut. His care has been first class and he's cheaper than I expected.
Donald Sammut is an NHS consultant. You private care is done by the same surgeon as if you went to through the NHSIt's my experience that you absolutely must go private. I've had so many hash jobs on the NHS that it impacted future surgical options.
Look up Donald Sammut. His care has been first class and he's cheaper than I expected.
Private care does not get a superior surgeon, just jump the queue for treatment
Regbuser said:
Prescient, have just been for a consult for my now worsening right hand at the Pulvertaft, Derby.
Previous thread here > https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Fingers today, they said too far gone for a needle aponeurotomy, so it's a trip to the surgeons in 12 weeks.
Mine looks similar. Damn it'll put me out of action for a few weeks (at least)Previous thread here > https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Fingers today, they said too far gone for a needle aponeurotomy, so it's a trip to the surgeons in 12 weeks.
AW111 said:
I had both little fingers done about 15 years ago.
Old-style op where they cut open the palm / finger and physically remove the buildup from the tendon.
One needed a small skin graft as the finger had been curled up for so long.
It was a great success. No recurrence, and I've still got full movement 15+ years on.
That's good to hear. Old-style op where they cut open the palm / finger and physically remove the buildup from the tendon.
One needed a small skin graft as the finger had been curled up for so long.
It was a great success. No recurrence, and I've still got full movement 15+ years on.
elanfan said:
I enquired with local surgeon whether he offered early stage injectable treatment to dissolve the build up. Brief answer was it’s not licensed!
Going to be a huge problem if this develops as get on crutches bearing quite a lot of weight through my hands, will probably mean I can’t walk. Hope it stays minor.
I had it yrs ago, partially successful, but discontinued apparently.Going to be a huge problem if this develops as get on crutches bearing quite a lot of weight through my hands, will probably mean I can’t walk. Hope it stays minor.
Regbuser said:
Wow you got a sling too. 
6 weeks in and I'm a little disappointed, scar healing nicely, swelling down, doing physio and all works OK except little finger pip joint won't straigten properly beyond 45 degrees.
It feels like a joint issue not a tendon one.
I'm not back to full activity yet, exercise and working with tools can make it swell.
Edited by PositronicRay on Sunday 16th April 08:10
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