Leprosy or Hansen’s disease is a chronic granulomatous infection of skin tissue and peripheral nerves caused by Mycobacterium leprae, an obligate intracellular bacterium.
Progress has now been made in culturing the microorganism, defining its genomic sequence, and understanding the important differences in the host's reaction to it. The mode of transmission of the disease is uncertain, although droplet transmission and contact with infected blood are most common.
Host’s immune response to the bacterial pathogen decides the severity of the disease. Genetic susceptibility to leprosy has been observed in some races and is thought to reflect a difference in immunological response to the mycobacterium.
Mycobacteria acts on the Schwann cells causing the destruction of both myelin and the underlying nerve cells, leading to permanent neurological damage.
The functions of certain affected body parts, correcting clawed hand deformities, for instance, can be restored and cosmetically improved through surgical procedures. Surgery is also an effective option to drain a nerve abscess (pus collection) or to relieve the compression of nerves. However, in serious cases, amputation becomes necessary.
The aim of reconstructive surgery in leprosy is to correct various deformities caused due to nerve injury, including clawed hands, wrist drops, eyelid corrections, foot drops, collapsed noses, nerve decompressions. In other words, Reconstructive surgery is an important part of rehabilitation too. Here’s how it is performed:
Nerve damage caused by leprosy remains a significant cause of disabilities. It is possible, through nerve decompression, to reverse the nerve damage and improve patient sensation and strength. There is a great potential for a successful Reconstructive Therapy in nerve decompression for leprous neuropathy.
Cosmetic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
We often hear about these surgical procedures through the media, especially in regards to celebrities. Most people generally think of cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery being the same exact thing. There is a lot of further confusion on the subject of reconstructive surgery, Read More..
