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Post-CMC Arthroplasty Dupuytren's?
I had surgery 7 weeks ago on my left (non-dominant) hand....suspension arthroplasty. My left fingers and hand are unusually tight and are still retaining fluid. I have been going 3x/week for hand therapy and the therapist has to spend time stretching my hand before I can do anything and it is still hard to even connect my thumb and pinkie.
I have had one cord of Dupuytren's contracture in my right hand for about 6 years...no progression. I have been concerned that maybe the trauma of the surgery on the left hand has set off Dupuytren's in that hand and it is causing these tightness/inability to put my hand down flat, etc.
Anyone experience post-hand surgery new onset of Dupuytren's in that hand? I know this is all conjecture on my part, but was wondering if there cound be a connection 10 weeks post-op.
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Injury or surgery can initiate Dupuytrens.
I injured my left hand 8 weeks ago and have been fighting the tendency of one finger to curl inwards. I am due to see the therapist again in a week, but scar tissue grows 24/7 and it cannot be left to its own devices that long.
Four/five times a day I am stretching the finger, sometimes under hot water, and massaging the palm vigorously with a wooden roller. The therapist would rather I were exercising every hour, but somehow life gets in the way.
However, when I sit down in the evening I lean on the hand with a heavy weight to make it flatten for a couple of hours.
I have also ordered a hand split, this one, https://www.amazon.co.uk/Apasiri-Metacarpal-Straightening-Immobilizer-Tendonitis/dp/B0CDBZG55F/ref=asc_df_B0CDBZG55F which I am going to wear on top of the hand, not underneath as shown, so that the finger is stretched overnight.
I am wearing Coban https://www.medisave.co.uk/products/3m-coban-self-adherent-bandage-skin-tone-2-5cm-x-4-5m-5 stretch bandage to expel the swelling. Initially I wore it at night, but now also during the day, other than mealtime for hygiene reasons.
It's annoying to have this complication, but I hope that with some bloody-mindedness, it can be defeated.
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1 Reaction@handsdown Full recovery from suspension CMC takes 3-6 months, the swelling and tightness happened to me with both hands. My hand therapist taught me both self-massge for the swelling and stretches to be done at least 3 times a day to get my hand flat. If I remember correctly that took around 3 months.
I appreciate your response so much ...and the links. Taping it has not been discussed and I never knew tape kept edema down!
@v8auto I appreciate your response so much ...and the links. Taping it has not been discussed and I never knew tape kept edema down!
@sueinmn Thanks! First I have heard of this sausage finger tightness and that makes me feel more confident. I do the massaging and the hand-flattening as well. Hopeful.
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2 Reactions@handsdown In the beginning, the swelling is protective, but later it can impede the process of restoring mobility.
Coban is a stretch tape. Stretch it about 40/50% as you apply it. Start at the top, wind it towards the base, Just a small overlap, you're not trying to mummify it. Leave the tip of the finger untaped so you can check that it's not too tight.
After a couple of uses the tape loses its 'stick' so you need a new length.
@v8auto Thanks so much!