| Ape hand deformity | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Simian hand |
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| Ape hand deformity | |
Ape hand deformity is a deformity in humans who cannot move the thumb away from the rest of the hand. It describes an inability tooppose thethumb, which is often accompanied by limited thumbabduction.[1] Abduction of the thumb refers to the specific capacity to orient the thumb perpendicularly to the ventral (palmar) surface of the hand; opposition refers specifically to the ability to "swing" the first metacarpal such that the tip of the thumb may touch the distal end of thefifth digit.[2] Ape hand deformity is caused by damage to the distalmedian nerve (also called a median claw lesion), and subsequent loss ofopponens pollicis muscle function. The name "ape hand deformity" is misleading, assome apes do have opposable thumbs.[citation needed]
It can occur with an injury of themedian nerve either at theelbow or thewrist, impairing thethenar muscles and opponens pollicis muscle.[3]
Ape hand deformity is one aspect ofmedian nerve palsy, which is usually caused by deep injuries to the arm, forearm, and wrist area.[citation needed]
Ape hand caused by median and ulnar nerve lesions.
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