Intrinsic minus hand: (patho)kinesiology, rehabilitation and recontruction

ABSTRACT

Loss of sensation and paralysis are common sequelae of neuropathies and peripheral nerve lesion. Very often the paralysis and loss of sensation occur in the distal part of the extremities, the hands and feet. Leprosy neuropathy in the upper extremity may result in loss of function of ulnar and median nerves causing loss of protective sensation in the hand and paralysis of mainly intrinsic muscles. The effects of loss of protective sensation and loss intrinsic muscle function, the management of such a hand, and the surgical possibilities of restoring function are presented and discussed in this dissertation. It is emphasised thet effects, assessment techniques and surgical consideration in connection with the hand with loss of sensation and paralysis of intrinsic function are applicable to all hands with loss of sensory function and paralysis of intrinsic muscles irrespective of the cause