PLASTIC SURGERY

Paul Vanek, MD, FACS

Q: My crooked finger is getting worse. Does this require surgery, and how painful is it to fix? A: What you are calling “crooked finger” is medically known as Dupuytren’s contracture. People with this condition have a painless fibrosis that makes their finger stay in a crooked fashion that they are unable to fully extend. What can be felt under the skin are palpable nodules or cords that are actually restricting the normal function of the tendon. The tendon itself is fully intact within its fibro-osseous canal but these cords restrict the ability of your finger to extend fully. I have good news for you. After lengthy experiments and analysis, the FDA has recently improved a minimally invasive injection therapy with a collagenase enzyme that people with Dupuytren’s contracture usually respond to favorably. I think you will enjoy seeing that your finger can be extended with a simple injection procedure in the office on day one, and a day later, having manipulation of the finger to rupture the cords without traumatizing or cutting the skin. There is no surgical recovery.

Patients experiencing a release of their finger are so relieved. They can do simple things like handling change without dropping it, putting keys into locks, and caressing their loved ones with fingers that fully extend. People who play musical instruments, writers and artists are especially grateful to eliminate or reduce restrictions of their finger functionality. Please contact my office to discuss if you are a candidate for this procedure. It requires an in- person consultation to make a determination and to do the paperwork to facilitate having this procedure covered by healthcare insurance. Dr. Paul Vanek M.D., F.A.C.S. Vanek Plastic Surgery 9485 Mentor Ave #100 Mentor, OH 44060 440-205-5750 www.MentorPlasticSurgery.com Accepting new patients for non-intrusive and surgical cosmetic and reconstructive solutions