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A clinical and radiological follow-up study in leprosy patients with asymptomatic neuropathic feet

SLIM, FJ
et al
June 2008

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"An MRI study done in 2000 on 10 leprosy patients with neuropathic feet, without clinical complications such as ulcerations, osteomyelitis or Charcot deformities revealed abnormalities in nine patients, with degradation, interruption of subcutaneous fat and effusion/synovitis, all located in the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) region. Since these MRI abnormalities may precede clinical complications of the foot, a follow-up study was performed. A new evaluation was based on a clinical examination and an MRI of the same patients who participated in the initial study...MRI findings of interruption and infiltration of the subcutaneous fat in leprosy patients with uncomplicated neuropathic feet do not necessarily have any clinical implication for the development of future foot problems"
Leprosy Review, Vol 79, Issue 2

Monitoring motor nerve function in leprosy patients

BRANDSMA, JW
September 2000

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"Manual muscle strength testing has an important function in the management of leprosy patients. Its importance was first recognized in the 1960s, especially when following patients who were started on steroid treatment to monitor the nerve function and the effect of treatment. In those days, and still in many centres today, many or all muscles were tested that are innervated by the nerves that can be at risk in leprosy. The author argues that not all muscles innervated by the nerves at risk need to be tested and also that many muscles cannot be tested in isolation. A muscle charting form is presented which is suitable for screening purposes, and that also allows for more detail when motor function is impaired"
Leprosy Review, Vol 71, Issue 3

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