The Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle offer Xiaflex injections for the treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture. This innovative medication can completely straighten your fingers without invasive surgery and anesthesia.

Dupuytren’s Contracture Caused by Excessive Thick Collagen
Dupuytren’s contracture is a progressive hand disorder that limits movement of the fingers. This condition results from an abnormal buildup of a substance called collagen. For people with Dupuytren’s, the collagen accumulates over time in the palm and thickens into a rope-like cord. The fingers bend toward the palm and you cannot straighten them back into normal position. Because arthritis and other disorders have similar symptoms to Dupuytren’s contracture, this condition is only diagnosed by an orthopedic specialist. … read more

Written by Dr. Scott Ruhlman

I had the privilege in March of serving at Tenwick Hospital, Bomet Kenya. I was nervous about going as this was quite a new experience for me and I was traveling during the midst of their national elections, which 4 years earlier was quite violent with thousands killed and hundreds of thousands displaced. I was relieved to have a very smooth trip with no major problems. The country was quite beautiful and the people are very generous and accommodating.

Just about a 4-hour drive out of Nairobi, Tenwick Hospital is a rural 300- bed hospital serving a very large undeserved area.

The hospital employs over 500 local Kenyan workers and has significant international support. World Medical Mission supports the hospital with logistics and helps volunteers travel to Tenwick and that is how I got involved to help with their Orthopedic Surgical load.

There were many fractures and infections when I arrived and a team of Kenyan residents and surgeons who were certainly grateful for the additional help. I was able to operate every day, performing between 3-5 surgeries, working with the resident and attending surgeons to help teach them techniques I often use. Not surprisingly, they taught me so much about themselves, their culture, techniques, and how to perform fairly sophisticated surgery with often less than ideal equipment.

Overall, it was a very positive experience and I plan on going back, perhaps even with my family. The Kenyan people were very enjoyable and genuine and the country has many beautiful areas and safaris that will be fun to explore in the future.

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Dr. Jonathan Franklin, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with Orthopedic Specialist of Seattle, was named to the Best Doctors in America 2013. Only doctors who earn the support and recommendation from their colleagues are included in this prestigious database, a registry of the top 5% of physicians in the United States.

The Best Doctors community is made up of doctors in a variety of clinical programs focused on ensuring the right diagnosis and treatment. Over 30 million individuals have access to the best medical providers through Best Doctors. Additionally, the community provides services to many philanthropy organizations focused on medically under-served international populations. … read more

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Casts are necessary to help broken bones recover. However, a cast must stay on for many weeks or months, making simple daily tasks difficult. You may remember showering with a plastic bag covering your cast. Thanks to the new waterproof casts, the plastic bag is no longer needed.

Our orthopedic specialists use GoreTex and AquaCast, two waterproof products. GoreTex and AquaCast are the most recent generation of waterproof cast paddings and liners. Their enhanced features are extremely comfortable and stretchable. These casts are made of a special type of fiberglass and covered by a waterproof cast liner on the outer shell. This lining prevents the water from being in contact with the actual cast. The special cast and cover adhere around your arm or leg to make sure no water passes through. … read more