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Amputation


Occasionally a contracture may progress to such an extent that there only two options left. Either one lives with condition or the finger is removed. This option is very much a last resort procedure. I much prefer to see patients earlier to attempt to prevent such a situation arising. However it can happen, usually in the following circumstances;

  • Very young men with an aggressively progressive disease process
  • Men in their 70s or 80s who have just ignored the finger
  • Recurrent disease especially in the little finger

    • If an amputation is indicated then I favour a ray amputation where the whole finger and most of the metacarpal (hand bone) is removed. My experience has been that the subsequent hand function has been more satisfactory than other alternatives.