Responses to description of APE Hand.

Responses to description of APE Hand.

Joe Harvey

8/21/2002

In case you didn't know. Responses to description of APE Hand. Thanks all.
Joe Harvey

No. No. No. Ape Hand is a syndrome (sometimes referred to as the Simian
Syndrome) caused by an unexplainable inclination to swing from tree
branches while grasping a banana. The hand gradually assumes the
position of our primate cousins and becomes so contracted that the
intrinsic muscles no longer allow the freedom to flex or extend the
fingers. The hand is held in a supinated position with a measurable
degree of ulnar deviation. The thumb actually begins to overlap the
lateral edge of the index finger. This is why the condition is referred
to as Ape Hand.

In a nutshell:
Ape hand deformity is caused by median nerve lesions, compression,
neruitis..etc.
visible signs are:
Thenar atrophy (causing the thumb to be in the same plane as the hand,
thus the name ape hand)

Inability to oppose the thumb..no abduction.. some hyperextension of the
thumb and index finger... with some loss of flexion of the DIP of index
and 3rd finger.

Test by clasping the hands as in prayer or trying to make a fist with
the hand.

Hope this helps.

Joe,
In response to your post regarding Ape Hand deformity, it is often defined
as a condition in which as a result of median N palsy, there is wasting of
the thenar eminence. Subsequently, the thumb will adduct and extend
sligtly, therefore falling in line with the other digits. As a result,
there is inability to oppose and/or flex the thumb. Hope this helps. (see
Magee, Orthopedic Physical Assessment)


Monkey hand (as called in the UK) is a neurologically based condition.
It results in the DIPS being flexed whilst the PIPs are extended. The
thumb is unable to be flexed or adducted so remains held in abduction
and extension.
I think it should be median nv. damage, but I can't get to my reference
material now-

Responses to description of APE Hand. Thanks all.