Flexor Origin Release and Functional Prehension in Adult Spastic Hand Deformity

Abstract

Eighteen adult patients with spastic hand deformities underwent release of the flexor-pronator origin and step-cut lengthening of the flexor pollicis longus to improve prehensile hand function. The goal of surgery was to provide active grasp release in order to improve hand function. Using a previously published grading scale, patients were graded before and after operation. At follow-up after an average of 35 months (range 24–64 months), all had improved by at least two functional levels.