Name of the Condition

• Acquired Clawhand, Left Hand
• Also known simply as "Clawhand" or "Claw-like deformity"

Summary

• Clawhand presents as a deformity of the fingers and hand characterized by hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal joints and flexion of the interphalangeal joints, resembling a claw. When acquired, it typically results from injury, nerve damage, or disease affecting muscles and nerves of the hand.

Causes

• Trauma or injury to the nerves or muscles in the hand.
• Conditions like ulnar nerve palsy or other neurological disorders.
• Rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory diseases.

Risk Factors

• Sustaining injuries to the arm or hand.
• Preexisting neurological conditions.
• Engaging in repetitive hand motions or strenuous manual labor.

Symptoms

• Visible deformity with fingers bent or curled into a claw-like position.
• Difficulty using the affected hand for grasping or holding objects.
• Muscle weakness or loss of function in the hand.

Diagnosis

• Physical examination of the hand for characteristic deformity.
• Nerve conduction studies or electromyography to assess nerve function.
• Imaging tests like X-rays or MRI if structural damage is suspected.

Treatment Options

• Physical therapy: To improve range of motion and strengthen muscles.
• Splinting or bracing: Helps to support and reposition the fingers.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgical intervention may be needed to repair nerve damage or correct deformities.
• Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids for underlying inflammatory conditions.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• The long-term outcome depends on the cause and severity of the condition.
• Regular follow-up is essential to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans.
• Rehabilitation can improve function, but some cases may have lasting difficulties.

Complications

• Permanent loss of hand function and dexterity if untreated.
• Muscle wasting due to prolonged mispositioning of the hand.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Avoiding repetitive strain or heavy manual tasks.
• Using protective gear to prevent injury.
• Managing underlying health conditions proactively.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Sudden onset of hand deformity or inability to move fingers.
• Persistent pain or weakness in the hand.
• Signs of nerve damage, such as tingling or numbness.

Additional Resources

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
• Arthritis Foundation
• American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH)

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure specificity by noting if the condition affects the right, left, or both hands.
• Verify accompanying disease codes that may have led to the acquired condition.
• Avoid confusion with congenital clawhand; use the specific ICD-10 code M21.512 for "Acquired clawhand, left hand."