Release of flexors and intrinsic muscles for finger spasticity in cerebralpalsy

Between April 1987 and March 1996, 32 deformed hands of 31 patients with ce rebral palsy were treated with combined release of the flexor digitorum pro fundus, flexor digitorum superficialis, and intrinsic muscles. Of these 31 patients, 26 patients (27 hands) were followed up after treatment. Improvem ents were evaluated by the modified classification of Zancolli et al, the c lassification of House et al, the object handling score, and the activity o f daily living score. Improvements of more than one level on an average wer e observed in the modified classification of Zancolli et al and the classif ication of House et al, The ability to grasp, pinch, and release increased with improvement of 2.5 points in the object handling score, and activities of daily living were enhanced with improvement of 2.4 points. The fine mot or skills could be facilitated, and dexterity was restored in most patients .