抄録
In this report the usefulness of the Camitz's method for opponensplasty was discussed.
In the last 5 years we have practiced opponensplaysty by the Camitzs method on 11 hands in 11 cases, which consist of 7 cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, 3 cases of traumatic lesion and 1 case of congenital anomaly. Of these cases, 3 were male and 8 were female patients, ranging in age from 7 to 79 years old (48 years and 6 months old on the average). The postoperative time ranges from 6 months to 4 years 7 months (2 years 2 months on the average).
The results of this procedure were evaluated by examining the angle of palmar abduction, nail angle, pinchable range, pinching force and buttoning ability.
The angle of palmar abduction was obtained of more than 40 degrees in all cases. The nail angle was obtained of more than 120 degrees in 7 cases and less than 120 degrees in 4 cases. In pinchable range, pulp pinch was freasible with more than third finger. Pinching force over 3kg and satisfactory buttoning function were acqired by all of the cases except one cases, which had 1kg of pinching force because of imperfect repair of the injured flexor pollicis longus tendon.
In conclusion, the Camitz's method may be a useful procedure for opponense insufficiency due to low median nerve palsy in not only young patients but also aged ones.
