Leprosy deformities: experience in Molai Leprosy Hospital, Maiduguri, Nigeria

A total of 410 patients (288 males, 122 females) aged between 9 and 60 years with an average age of 32.5 years were assessed for deformities of the eyes, hands and feet. The objectives were to find out the number and types of leprosy deformities in the leprosy population of the hospital, the proportion of those deformed among them and to establish the deformity baseline for the hospital. The study lasted 1 year, 38.78% (26.59% males, 12.20% females) of those investigated had one or more deformities. Apart from plantar and palmar insensitivity which accounted for 17.91% and 17.24% of all deformities, the most frequent deformities were mobile claw hand 12.94%, plantar ulcers 10.78% and palmar ulcers 5.97% respectively. With the exception of eye deformities, males accounted for a higher proportion of all deformities. Hand deformities were the most frequent of the three parts of the body studied. The patients' problems were highlighted and the need for adequate management and self-care were emphasized.