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.
Xiaflex – An FDA-Approved Nonsurgical Option
The doctors at Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle now offer an exciting new treatment for Dupuytren’s – Xiaflex. This treatment is the first and only FDA-approved nonsurgical option proven to work for adults with this condition. Clinical research studies show that Xiaflex helps people with Dupuytren’s contracture achieve straight, normally positioned fingers and improves their digit mobility.
A recent report found that up to 65% of patients who received Xiaflex injections had completely or nearly straight fingers after 2 or 3 Xiaflex injections. Prescription Xiaflex is a medicine that the surgeon injects into the affected palm cord.
Dr. Weil and Dr. Ruhlman Specially Trained to Administer Xiaflex
The orthopedic hand specialists at OSS are Dr. Wayne Weil, MD and Dr. Scott Ruhlman, MD. These exceptionally trained surgeons inject up to 3 treatments per cord over a 30-day interval. Xiaflex injections are given in the office and no anesthesia or surgery is necessary. This exciting new drug will change the way you look at Dupuytren’s treatment options. Xiaflex helps to “break down” the thickened cord so that you can bend your fingers.
Special Considerations with Xiaflex
Before receiving Xiaflex, tell your orthopedic specialist if you have had an allergic reaction to a previous Xiaflex treatment, or have a bleeding disorder, clotting problem or other medical condition. Also, inform the doctor of all the medicines you take – prescription and over-the-counter. Xiaflex could interact with aspirin, certain herbal products, Plavix, Effient, or Coumadin.
Xiaflex does have some side effects, but few people report these.
Common adverse reactions include swelling at the injection site or of the hand, bruising or bleeding at the site of injection, pain or tenderness of the hand or injection area, swelling of the glands in the underarm or elbow, and underarm pain. Be sure to report any side effects to your orthopedic specialist immediately.
Orthopedic Specialists Dr. Weil and Dr. Ruhlman
Dr. Wayne Weil, MD is an orthopedic surgeon trained in surgery of the hand and wrist. As a board-certified orthopedic specialist, Dr. Weil utilizes the latest technology and innovative treatments in his practice. After graduating with a medical degree from New York University’s School of Medicine, Dr. Weil advanced his education and training at NYU’s Hospital for Joint Diseases and focused on hand and microvascular surgery at the University of Washington.
An expert in treating Dupuytren’s, Dr. Weil promotes Xiaflex as an alternative therapy option. Learn more about Dr. Weil at www.handandelbowsurgery.com.
Dr. Scott Ruhlman, MD is an orthopedic specialist trained in hand, elbow, and shoulder surgery as well as sports medicine. Dr. Ruhlman earned his medical degree at the Medical College of Ohio and went on to train at the University of Washington Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Department. He attended the prestigious Harvard Medical School where he required knowledge and skills to perform complex adult and pediatric hand and upper extremity surgery. Dr. Ruhlman uses Xiaflex for patients with Duputren’s because he says it works great and has few side effects.
If you are experiencing Dupuytren’s Contracture symptoms and would like more information on Xiaflex treatments contact Orthopedic Specialist of Seattle to schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Weil or Dr. Ruhlman.
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