Surgical treatment for the thumb-in-palm deformity in patients with cerebral palsy Cochrane Review

Description: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a movement disorder caused by damage to the brain around birth. It causes muscle spasms and contractions that can lead to a condition called thumb-in- palm deformity, severely limiting hand function. Thumb-in-palm surgery is sometimes tried to improve ability to use the thumb. This review found no randomized controlled trials of thumb-in-palm surgery, but some other types of studies. Although some people with CP who had thumb-in-palm surgery experienced some improvement in movement, the improvement was generally modest. Trials are needed to show if thumb-in-palm surgery can improve function and quality of life for people with CP.
Smeulders MJ.C., Coester A, Kreulen M 2005