The Published Author and Houston Methodist Hospital Hand Specialist Performs New Injection Procedure, Offers Minimally Invasive XIAFLEX® to Dupuytren’s Patients

Working to make the latest treatment options available for some of the most common hand and upper extremity injuries and conditions seen today, Dr. Evan Collins of Houston Methodist Hospital's Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and a Weill Cornell assistant professor now among the first orthopedic specialists in the United States to offer the Percutaneous Needle Aponeurotomy (NA) and the newest injection therapy to patients suffering from severe Dupuytren's Contracture.

The new injectable treatment first introduced in Europe recently received FDA approval for use in the United States and is now offered by a small group of specially trained orthopedic specialists. Dr. Collins, who was among the first to introduce the Percutaneous Needle Fasciotomy, also known as needle aponeurotomy (NA), in the treatment of Dupuytren’s Contracture nearly two years ago will offer the new XIAFLEX® treatment at Houston Methodist Hospital - Texas Medical Center.

XIAFLEX® is the first FDA-approved non surgical treatment for Dupuytren's Contracture, enzymatically disrupting collagen when injected directly into a Dupuytren's cord. Collagen disruption results in improved range of motion.

"There has been a great deal of work done in recent years to address the debilitating effects of Dupuytren's Disease. This is among the first non surgical injection procedures approved by the FDA in the United States. We hope to restore range of motion to patients suffering from severe Dupuytren's contractures, without the risks and recovery time of even the most advanced surgical procedures currently used to address them," said Dr. Collins.

"Many people choose to live with the condition, which can dramatically affect even the most basic daily activities, because they are not comfortable with the treatments we have had to date. This non surgical approach may be a more appealing option for them," Collins added.

Dupuytren's disease is a progressive condition which causes the fibrous tissue of the palmar fascia (cords) to shorten and thicken. Eventually this will result in nodules causing fingers to contract, distorting the hand and reducing hand function.

A Weill Cornell assistant professor and former Chief of Hand & Upper Extremity at Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Collins is awarded some of the highest nationally recorded patient satisfaction scores. He is featured among H Texas and Texas Monthly magazines' recognized doctor's listings and internationally renowned for his research in common tendinopathies, osteoarthritis and other debilitating joint conditions.

To learn more about Dr. Collins and the new XIAFLEX® procedure, log onto www.drevancollins.com. Or, call (713) 441-3535 for an appointment.