Combined flexor and extensor release for activation of voluntary movement of the fingers in patients with cerebral palsy.

Twenty deformed hands of 19 Japanese patients with cerebral palsy were treated with release of the flexor digitorum profundus, the flexor digitorum sublimis, and the extensor digitorum communis. The results were satisfactory and included enhanced daily activities, voluntary grasp, and release of the fingers. Simultaneous cocontraction of the multiarticular muscles inhibits voluntary movement of the fingers and causes rigidity and involuntary movements. Use of the intrinsic muscles is facilitated by reducing hypertonicity of the multiarticular muscles and by activation of voluntary movements of the fingers. Many such patients can then become functionally independent.