One year on (Dupuytrens 7)

It’s been a year now: how’s my right little finger doing?

I was pretty good at massage and exercise for the rest of last year but have to confess that I’ve done less this year although I still do some. I also have a number of ‘informal’ exercises which I do as part of my exercise routine in the gym. And of course I use my finger on a day to day basis and by and large I’d say that although it’s not back to normal, the surgeon said that would not happen, I don’t see it as an obstacle to normal, everyday life

I’ve checked online and discovered a new word:

Goniometry is the art and science of measuring the range of motion of joints, using a device called a goniometer, which is a type of protractor. Originating from the Greek words for “angle” (gonia) and “measure” (metron), it is used by clinicians in fields like physical therapy to assess joint function, identify limitations or excessive movement (hypo- or hypermobility), and track progress during rehabilitation.  

Google also tells me what I should expect under normal circumstances:

Normal active ranges of motion for finger joints are approximately 90° flexion and –5° to –20° extension for the Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, 100° to 110° flexion and around –10° to –20° extension for the Proximal Interphalangeal (PIP) joint, and 80° to 90° flexion and minimal to no extension for the Distal Interphalangeal (DIP) joint. However, a truly “normal” range varies between individuals and may decrease with age or be affected by medical conditions, activity levels, and sex, making a range of motion a baseline for physical therapy rather than a fixed value.  

So flexion-wise I’m doing OK.

Extension has also improved significantly:

extension	16 Sep 24	14 Oct 24	13 Nov 24	12 Sep 25	normal
bottom	-16	-18	-22	0	<0
middle	-42	-34	-42	-30	-10 to -20
tip	-16	-10	0	0	0

So straightening the middle joint is the problem and as I work on it there seems to be a physical block so I guess I’ll have to live with it. However it does not constrain me and I can put on gloves with little difficulty (see photo above) and everything else I used to do pre-op I can now do with ease.

During my exercises I do my best to make sure that all my other finger joints are OK. They are but there’s evidence of some adverse Dupuytrans development at the base of my left ring/little finger. However this is not manifest in any flexion or extension issues.

That seems to be good news all round and I just need to be vigilant and sure to react promptly should any deterioration become apparent.