Reconstructive surgery of claw hand in leprosy

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Hand surgery
• Leprosy research

Background:

• Leprosy often causes intrinsic minus deformity, impairing hand function.
• Restoring hand function is crucial for leprosy patients' quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the Paul-Brand technique for intrinsic minus deformity in leprosy patients.
• To assess the functional and cosmetic outcomes of surgical interventions.

Main Methods:

• Surgical correction using the Paul-Brand technique was performed on 32 hands in 31 leprosy patients.
• Bunnel's opponens plasty was utilized in 7 cases to restore thumb opposition.
• Comprehensive pre- and postoperative management protocols were implemented.

Main Results:

• The Paul-Brand technique yielded good results in 29 out of 32 operated hands.
• The remaining 3 hands demonstrated definite functional and cosmetic improvement.
• Surgical restoration of thumb opposition was achieved in the treated cases.

Conclusions:

• The Paul-Brand technique is a highly effective surgical option for intrinsic minus deformity in leprosy.
• Surgical intervention, combined with meticulous management, significantly improves hand function and cosmesis in leprosy patients.
• Restoring thumb opposition is a valuable adjunct for comprehensive hand rehabilitation in leprosy.