Claw hand is a condition that causes curved or bent fingers. This makes the hand appear like the claw of an animal.
See also: Claw foot
Claw hand can be something that someone is born with (congenital) or that they develop because of certain disorders, such as nerve injury.
If the condition is congenital, it is usually diagnosed at birth. If you notice claw hand developing, contact your health care provider.
The health care provider will perform a physical examination. This examination may include extra attention to the hands and feet.
The health care provider will also ask for your medical history. Medical history questions may include:
Your doctor may order other studies, such as electromyography (EMG), or nerve conduction studies to evaluate for nerve damage.
TREATMENT
Treatment depends on the cause of the deformity. It may include:
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Robinson JA, Preston DC, Shapiro BE. Proximal, distal, and generalized weakness. In: Bradley WG, Daroff RB, Fenichel GM, Jankovic J, eds. Neurology in Clinical Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Butterworth-Heinemann; 2008:chap 27.
Reviewed by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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