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Rehabilitation in Hansen's disease
International Disability Studies
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Hansen's disease can cause significant limb deformities and functional limitations. However, these disabilities can be effectively managed through splinting, surgery, tool modification, and appropriate job placement.
Area of Science:
- Medical rehabilitation
- Orthopedics
- Occupational therapy
Background:
- Hansen's disease, also known as leprosy, frequently results in deformities of the extremities.
- These deformities can lead to severe handicaps and diminished functional capacity for affected individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize individuals with Hansen's disease and their associated disabilities.
- To demonstrate methods for overcoming functional limitations caused by Hansen's disease.
Main Methods:
- Review of patient characteristics and disability profiles.
- Evaluation of rehabilitation strategies including splinting and reconstructive surgery.
- Assessment of assistive devices and job-worker matching for functional improvement.
Main Results:
- Hansen's disease causes progressive deformities impacting daily activities.
- A multi-faceted approach including medical, surgical, and occupational interventions can mitigate these effects.
- Successful management improves functional capabilities and reduces handicaps.
Conclusions:
- Disabilities resulting from Hansen's disease are manageable and can be overcome.
- A combination of interventions, including assistive devices and vocational support, is key to restoring function.