Lasso procedure to correct finger-clawing in leprosy using index or middle finger flexor digitorum superficialis split into four tails--a long-term follow-up study.

ABSTRACT

For obvious reasons, the use of flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) from the ring finger, for correction of finger-clawing, is usually not recommended in leprosy. Hence, one has to choose either index or middle finger FDS for correction of finger-clawing. No significant differences could be made out when follow-up data of claw-finger correction by modified lasso procedure, using FDS either from index or middle finger, were compared. In some hands post-operative problems, such as stiffness, superficialis minus deformities of proximal interphalangeal joints (PIPJ) and distal interphalangeal joints (DIPJ), were noted. As revealed by finger dynamography, the working space of the hand was not found to be fully restored, the donor finger showing distortion of its working space.