The clenched fist syndrome: a presentation of eight cases and an analysis of the medicolegal aspects in Denmark.

Abstract

Clenched fist is a rare disorder of the hand associated with fixed contractures of fingers. The condition is often preceded by minor trauma or surgery, but these do not explain the severity of the contractures. Extension of the fingers is painful and hygienic problems can be considerable. Psychiatric disease is frequent in clenched fist patients. The patients may express a strong wish for amputations. In a review of eight patients with clenched fist who had claimed economic compensation from the Danish Patient Insurance Association, four patients had amputations. Three of them subsequently developed new contractures.