[Contribution to camptodactyly]

Camptodactyly occurs relatively often but it rarely needs therapy. For decades the genesis of camptodactyly was not clear until it was discovered that the deformations causing the contraction of the PIP joint are to be found in the area of the dorsal aponeurosis (MILLESI) and of the intrinsic muscles of the hand (WILHELM, KLEINSCHMIDT). At the Münster University anomalies of the lumbricals were found, on occasion of exploration of the palm, but not in all cases. Probably there exist several types of camptodactyly with different defects. The necessity for exploration of the palm is confirmed.