Is NA better than Surgery?

Yes and No

• Because it's less invasive, NA can be performed at an earlier stage than surgery.
• Recurrence is a problem with any treatment, but is more likely following NA than surgery.
• Contractures of the proximal interphalangeal joint (the knuckle in the middle of the finger) are more reliably treated with surgery than NA.
• Repeat NA after NA is fairly straightforward. Repeat surgery after surgery is not.
• Complications after open surgery are much more common than with NA.
• The real difference between NA and open surgery is the recovery time. With NA, it is possible to have both hands treated over a few days, and in most cases resume full normal activities within a week or two - compared to an average four to six month recovery for both hands following open releases.
• More information is available on the NA-FAQ page.

How many hands has Dr. Eaton treated with NA?

• Over 2700, as of July 2007.