Opponensplasty in Leprosy

Cho, Duck Yun; Haam, Young Gil; Kim, Jong Woo

Abstract

Although the incidence of leprosy is decreased considerably, the deformity and disability of it is serioues. In the hand, combined median and ulnar nerve affection is most common, and it leads to many problems including opposition dysfunction and claw hand deformity. And opposition dysfunction is most significant disability in the hand function, so its correction or reconstruction is mandatory We performed 20 cases of opponensplasty from Oct. 91 to Apr. 94 at National Medical Center, and analyzed its results according to new assessment criteria invented by authors, and evaluated the efficacy of the operative treatments. The results were as follows: 1. The patients were 9 males and 11 females, average age was 48 years old, and average duration of paralysis was 28 years. The mean follow-up period was 2.8 years. And most common type of nerve affection was combined low median and high ulnar nerves. 2. We performed 18 cases of Burkhalter opponensplasty using extensor indicis proprius and 2 cases of Riordan opponensplasty using ring finger sublimis at the leprosy hands. 3. According to authors assessment criteria for leprosy hand, the result of operative treatment was excellent in two, good in ten, fair in seven, and poor in two patients. So we obtained more than good results in 50% patients. 4. We could obtain good result with Burkhalter opponensplasty in leprosy hand, especially when combined with proper preoperative physical therapy and adjuvant operation for release of contracture and joint stiffness.