EXTENSOR INDICIS OPPOSITION TRANSFER IN THE ULNAR AND MEDIAN PALSIED THUMB IN LEPROSY

Twenty seven opponensplasties for ulnar and median paralysis in 25 lep rosy patients mere performed using extensor indicis proprius. An addit ional transfer of the radial half of flexor pollicis longus to extenso r pollicis longus was done to stabilize the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb. The biomechanical aspects of extensor indicis proprius t endon transfer were studied and results evaluated using various anatom ical and functional parameters. Extensor indicis proprius provides ade quate strength to position the thumb. However, sometimes it does not r each its new insertion. There is no significant deficit at the donor s ite but in a few cases the index finger may lose its capability for in dependent extension and sometimes a proximal interphalangeal joint con tracture may develop.