This is the first I've ever seen any treatment for Dupuytren's, other than
surgery, just in from "Doctor's Guide E-Mail Edition".
>-CORDASE EFFECTIVE AT RELIEVING DUPUYTREN'S DISEASE
>http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/6e116.htm
>--Early clinical results show that Cordase, an injectable collagenase, is
showing promise >in early clinical trials for the treatment of Dupuytren's
disease, a deformity of the hand
>often resulting in functional disability.
I first noted Dupuytren's starting in both hands, R > L, 10 years ago, a
"genetic time bomb". Got my attention too! My mother had it in her R.
5th digit which was curled to the point that she barely could get it around
a cane handle. My R. 4th and 3rd are affected, and to a lesser degree
the L. 3rd. Went to a hand surgeon, who said surgery was the only
treatment, to be done whenever it became functionally limiting. He said
stretching would not be effective.
10 years later, only the R. 4th MCP has lost 10 degrees extension. None of
the PIP or DIP joints are affected. Of course, I have routinely done a
couple of 60 second vigorous stretches almost daily. Makes me feel like
I'm *doing something*, whether it helps or not. <g>
I have not seen any accurate predictors of its growth.
Elaine Stoner, PT
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