Correction of severe spastic flexion contractures in the nonfunctional hand.

Abstract

The superficialis to profundus transfer has been a time-honored treatment of spasticity in nonfunctional hands, but it does not address the many associated problems. Fourteen patients were treated with 15 procedures (1 bilateral) designed to relieve severe flexion contractures of the hand and wrist over a 3-year period with a single-stage comprehensive surgical correction consisting of superficialis to profundus transfer, wrist flexor release, flexor pollicis longus lengthening, wrist arthrodesis, carpal tunnel release, and ulnar motor branch neurectomy or intrinsic release. For all, nonoperative treatment had failed or there were chronic skin problems. The follow-up period averaged 1 year. In 13 of 15 patients, there was wrist fusion after the index procedure, with 1 patient requiring replating and another uniting after prolonged casting. Two patients had a residual claw hand with only partial correction of a thumb-in-palm deformity. All preoperative hygiene problems and infections resolved. The comprehensive protocol allowed correction of severe contractures of the hand and wrist by a single operation with improved care and appearance of the hand.