Abstract
The permanent paralytic deformities due to leprosy neuropathy can all be surgically corrected. Tendon transfer surgery can correct the muscular imbalance that may result from ulnar, median, and common peroneal paralysis. Surgery should be performed by surgeons who have had some training with a surgeon experienced in leprosy reconstructive surgery. Pre- and postoperative therapy by experienced therapists is equally important. Rehabilitation should also involve the social consequences of leprosy, e.g., inappropriate community attitudes, loss of work, etc., as they also often contribute to “disability.” Community-based rehabilitation involvement should be included in leprosy control projects to raise awareness, change attitudes, and ensure that leprosy-affected people can take and/or maintain their rightful places in society.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Notes
- 1.
For further detailed information the reader can access and download many important documents from the ILEP website (www.ilep.org.uk) including a textbook on surgical reconstruction and rehabilitation in leprosy by Schwarz and Brandsma (2004).
References
Brandsma JW, Macdonald MR et al (2001) Workshop report on the neurologically impaired foot. Lepr Rev 72:254–275
Brandsma JW, Schwarz RJ (2006) Workshop report on the re-enablement of the neurologically impaired hand. Lepr Rev 77:317–342
Veen van NJH, Schreuders TAR et al (2009) Decompressive surgery for treating nerve damage in leprosy: a Cochrane review. Lepr Rev 80(1):3–12
Rath S, Scheuders TAR, Selles RW et al (2009) Randomised clinical trial comparing immediate active motion with immobilisation following tendon transfer for claw deformity. J Hand Surg 34A:488–494
Schwarz R, Brandsma W (2004) Surgical reconstruction and rehabilitation in leprosy and other neuropathies. EKTA Books, Kathmandu. www.lepra.org
WHO (1988) Expert committee on leprosy sixth report, 768 WHO technical report series, Geneva
WHO (1995) Weekly epidemiological record 38. Geneva, pp 269–276
Enhanced global strategy for further reducing the disease burden due to leprosy (2011–15) 2009 WHO SEARO SEA-GLP-2009.3
WHO (2010) Community-based rehabilitation CBR: guidelines, IDDC, ILO, UNESCO and WHO
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2012 Springer-Verlag Italia
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Brandsma, J.W., Deepak, S. (2012). Surgical and Social Rehabilitation. In: Nunzi, E., Massone, C. (eds) Leprosy. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-2376-5_32
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-2376-5_32
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Milano
Print ISBN: 978-88-470-2375-8
Online ISBN: 978-88-470-2376-5
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)