Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities—Head—Neck. Sixth Edition.Thomson, Alexis
Science
Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities—Head—Neck. Sixth Edition.
Thomson, Alexis
Surgery
[Illustration: FIG. 170.--Congenital absence of Left Radius and Tibia
in a child æt. 8.
(Mr. D. M. Greig's case.)]
In _spastic paralysis_ the most pronounced deformity is flexion of the
forearm and pronation and flexion of the hand (Fig. 166). Gradual
extension at the wrist may be brought about by the use of a malleable
splint, in which the angle is gradually increased, over a period of at
least twelve months. Failing success by this method, operation may be
had recourse to, and this consists in lengthening of tendons, and
tendon transplantation. Tubby has devised an operation for converting
the pronator radii teres into a supinator, and Robert Jones another in
which the flexors of the carpus are made to take the place of the
extensors. "These operations, combined if necessary with elongation of
the flexors of the fingers, pave the way for diminution of the angle
of flexion at the elbow, lessening of the pronator spasm, increase of
the supinating power, reduction of the carpal flexion, and addition to
the extensor power at the wrist" (Tubby and Jones).
#Congenital Club-hand.#--This rare deformity corresponds to congenital
club-foot, and probably arises in the same way. The hand and fingers
are rigidly flexed to the ulnar or radial side, so that the patient is
incapable of moving them. Treatment is carried out on the same lines
as for club-foot.
A deformity resembling this, _acquired club-hand_, is brought about
when the growth of either of the bones of the forearm has been
arrested as a result of disease or of traumatic separation of its
lower epiphysis. The hand deviates to the side on which the growth has
been arrested--_manus valga_ or _vara_. The treatment consists in
resecting a portion of the longer bone.
[Illustration: FIG. 171.--Club-hand, the result of imperfect
development of radius. The thumb is absent.
(Photograph lent by Sir George T. Beatson.)]
#Madelung's Deformity of the Wrist.#--In 1878, Madelung called
attention to a deformity also called sub-luxation of the hand, in
which the lower articular surface of the radius is rotated so that it
looks towards the palm; there is palmar displacement of the carpus,
and the lower end of the ulna projects on the dorsum. The cause of the
condition is obscure, but it is met with chiefly in young women with
slack ligaments, whose laborious occupation or athletic pursuits
subject the hand and wrist to long-continued or repeated strain. It is
as frequently unilateral as bilateral and may recur in successive
generations. There is a good deal of pain, the grasping power of the
hand is impaired, and dorsiflexion is considerably restricted. The
deformity disappears on forcible traction, but at once reappears when
the traction is removed. A wristlet of poroplastic or leather
extending from the mid-forearm to the knuckles is moulded to the limb
in the corrected position, and is taken off at intervals for massage
and exercises.
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