Posterior tibialis transfer for foot-drop due to leprosy: a case with 40 years follow up.

A 56-year-old male was transferred to our centre because of a relapse of leprosy neuritis in the hands. We found that the patient had received a posterior tibialis tendon transfer for correction of his left dropped foot 40 years previously. On examination active dorsiflexion of the left ankle joint was close to 0 degrees with grade 4 power of dorsiflexion, and the plantar flexion was about 35 degrees. Walking gait was almost normal. There were some scars on the plantar surface of the left metatarsal area; but with the continuous use of a soft dressing pad under the middle part of the sole, plantar ulceration has been avoided for many years even with active daily activities of the patient. The patient is very satisfied with the operative results.

Final report about Stage II Collaboration Project on Leprosy Rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE: To undertake the pilot experiments of prevention of disability (POD) in 14 different geographical areas to serve as examples for future development of rehabilitation work in China and in Asia. METHODS: According to the principles and national criterion, 27 000 people affected by leprosy were selected and assessed using disability record forms at beginning and followed up regularly for observing changes of different indicators. RESULTS: A total of 197 neuritis cases were detected and treated with prednisolone out of 1 407 new or active cases. Self-care training of eyes, hands and feet were conducted for 10 500 disabled people affected by leprosy. Comprehensive therapy was given to 1 804 cases having complicated ulcers of which 1 055 cases have got their ulcers healed. Out of 706 prostheses, 613 were given to patients with satisfactory results. Surgical treatment was given to 269 cases and 251 have shown good progress. CONCLUSION: Most of patients have got benefit from the project in function or appearance which is very helpful for their going back to the society and agreed by foreign experts during the final evaluation. The experiences from the project can be implemented in the whole country.

Prevention of disability and rehabilitation--results from a collaborative project in China.

Eight different geographical districts in China varying in urban and rural characteristics from 6 provinces and 2 municipalities were selected as pilot areas of the project. The interventions included early detection and treatment of neuritis, self-care training, adapted footwear, surgery, comprehensive treatment of complicated ulcers, and prostheses. Main changes in eye, hand and foot impairments between baseline assessment and assessment at 2 years have been presented in this paper.

An epidemiological survey of deformities and disabilities among 14,257 cases of leprosy in 11 counties.

This study was planned and conducted in Yang Zhou Prefecture, covering 11 counties that were formerly areas with a high prevalence of leprosy. Out of 14,257 leprosy patients, 8122 (56.97%) cases with deformities and disabilities were found. The disability rate is much higher in patients with MB leprosy (81.15%) than in PB leprosy (53.04%). The statistical data and the type of deformities and disabilities are presented. The influences of various host factors and disease factor which cause disability and deformity are discussed.

An epidemiological survey of deformities and disabilities among 14257 leprosy patients in 11 counties.

This study was planned and conducted in 11 counties in Yangzhou Prefecture, which had formerly had a high prevalence of leprosy. Out of 14257 leprosy patients, 8122 (56.97%) with permanent deformities and disabilities were found. The disability rate was much higher among patients with multibacillary (MB) leprosy (81.15%) than among those with paucibacillary (PB) leprosy (53.04%). The statistical data involving the patients and the types of deformities and disabilities are presented in this paper, and the influences of various host factors and disease factors are discussed.

Modulan grip-aids for leprosy patients.

Made-to-measure Modulan grip-aids were fitted to 755 articles for 155 patients with hand deformities due to leprosy. The acceptance of the grip-aids was, in general, good. No instance of contact dermatitis or skin irritation was reported. These grip-aids facilitated a normal grip with crippled hands, and thus considerably improved the quality of the patient's personal and working life. They increased the patient's self-esteem and self-confidence because he/she could handle everyday objects or tools without the help of others and could do his/her job--an important step toward social and economic rehabilitation.