Bone loss in limbs with decreased or absent sensation: ten year follow-up of the hands in leprosy.

Three hundred and sixty-seven patients with insensitive hands have been studied by correlating radiologic findings with occupational and medical history in order to better define causal factors in bone resorption. This study indicates that nonspecific infection and trauma are the reasons for bone resorption in 98% of cases. The role of intermittent pressure seems to be in soft tissue breakdown, which then allows bone to become infected. Bone resorption can be arrested at any stage of the disease by appropriate therapy of splinting and control of infection.