A comparative study of EFMT and sublimis transfer operations in the claw hand.

Two hundred cases each of EFMT and sublimis transfer operations performed for correction of claw hand deformity following Hansen's disease were studied and the results compared. The cases were selected by systematic sampling. The incidences of reclawing in the index, long, and ring fingers were found to be more in the EFMT series. Also the postoperative intrinsic plus deformity was seen more often in the ring and little fingers in the EFMT series. The occurrence of a sublimis minus deformity following removal of the sublimis tendon is recognized and described. Both operative procedures produced 95% satisfactory results.