Friday 23 March 2012

Cryosurgery for the treatment of Ledderhose

Cryosurgery for the treatment of Plantar Fibromas / Plantar Fibromatosis / Ledderhose Disease:

So cryosurgery is a technique where cold temperatures are used to try and relieve the pain. Note that this is not a cure but is a pain management technique. See here for an interview with one of the top specialists for this kind of treatment. 

How and why does cryosurgery help a plantar fibroma / ledderhose disease?

I am getting a lot of the information today from the book, Dupuytren's Disease and Related Hyperproliferative disorders - Chapter 49. I have tried to find more information on this technique but it seems that it is not widely used and certainly there are not any long term results in. 

So how does this work?

The principle that freezing for pain management of injuries has long been known but getting the techniques right to use it has taken time but it is now common practice for many people. The technique used here is basically the application of cold temperatures -70oC to the affected tissue, in this case the foot and this causes a block in the nerves which means that pain is not felt.

Results?

So results in this were measured by the improvement in pain in 28 patients. After one treatment it was considered a success in 78% of those patients and with a further second treatment it was down to 2 patients that were not happy and they were considered successful after a third treatment. 

Side Effects

None were discussed but it was mentioned that this is a quick and easy procedure and does not requiring stitching or any time off of your feet for recovery and can even be repeated within 2 months. 

My Experience

Well ok so I have no experience with this but I have found this page where someone shares their experience with this treatment. Bashkar Cryosurgery for Ledderhose He seemed happy with the treatment and says that he thinks he has helped him keep the disease under control.  

Other than the book there is also some information on this page Dupuytren's Online

1 comment:

  1. That sounds like a very promising way of managing pain. Is it widely used in any particular countries or universally at the experimental stage? Is it helpful for both DD and LD?

    The Old Bag

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