LIPODERMECTOMY AND FLEXOR PULLEY ADVANCEMENT: A NEW SURGICAL ALTERNATIVE TO CLAW HAND CORRECTION

Abstract

Tenodesis, arthrosis and arthrodesis procedures for paralytic claw hand have become obsolete, because of their static principles. Zancolli's metacarpophalangeal capsul orrhaphy stretches out with time, though the initial results are satisfactory (Zancolli, 1957). Tendon transfers by and large still remain the mainstay of treatment, much monopolised by the experienced surgeons and requires pains taking physiotherapy (Pandey, 1975). Lipodermeclomy with flexor pulley advancement is suggested as a new alternative to surgical correction of claw hand, as a simple, safe, quick out-patient procedure requiring least surgical or physiotherapeutic expertise. The preliminary results are encouraging.