[Surgical indications in the treatment of spastic hand]

Spasticity is the loss of tonus control of some muscles. It is caused by cerebral disorders occurring mostly in children. Their I.Q. and compartmental response to the environment must be considered in evaluating the surgical possibilities. These depends on the types of spasticity which have been classified by Zancolli. Surgical possibilities are not many but should usually improve function. They range from hyponeurotisations to muscle-slide operations or tendons lengthening. Tendon transfers may be useful to rebalance the thumb. Results are evaluated on finger motion, thumb and wrist position, but only in a purely functional standpoint.