After about 15 years of a slowly progressing problem, John decided to consult a plastic surgeon to “release” the Dupuytrens contracture that was pulling the ring finger on his right hand closer and closer toward his palm. For more information on Dupuytrens contracture, also know as the “Viking Disease” – click here. For those not faint of heart who want to watch an actual “release” operation – click here.
The operation took about an hour and a half. John’s right arm was “blocked” (i.e. frozen) and he rested comfortably/slept under local sedation through the entire procedure. At the end of the surgery a half cast was placed on the inside of the hand and after about an hour in recovering, Margaret-Ann drove John home.
Six days after the surgery, the half cast was removed and John was amazed to find his ring finger perfectly straight and that he could put his hand flat on the table. Making a fist was still a bit painful and there was still significant swelling in the hand.
Twenty days after the surgery, John met with the occupational therapist at the hospital who fitted him with a splint to be worn at night on his right hand for two months. The splint prevents the developing scar tissue from pulling the ring finger back toward the palm. Most of the pain and swelling is now gone.
John meets with the plastic surgeon on May 9th to review his progress and will report back here with any news.
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The morning before surgery – April 7th
Nodules and thickening cords pull the ring finger in.
The hand can not be placed flat on the table.
The ring finger is gradually pulling in toward the palm.
The day after surgery – April 8th
Hand wrapped in a bandage and half cast.
Six days after surgery – April 13th
The plastic surgeon's handiwork.
The ring finger is straight again.
The hand can now be placed flat on the table.
Twenty days after surgery – April 27th
The hand is healing nicely.
Hand with splint to be worn nightly for two months.
Hand with splint to be worn nightly for two months.
