Zancolli's "lasso" operation in intrinsic palsy of leprous origin. A study of twenty-six cases.

Twenty-six cases of Zancolli's "lasso" procedure are presented. They were part of a series of 122 operations performed for leprosy in Central Africa. Nineteen cases with a follow-up of more than 6 months were reviewed. Fifteen of these patients had good or very good results. When claw hand deformities are supple, one flexor superficialis tendon may be used for two fingers; when the fingers are partially stiff, one tendon for each finger should be used. The "lasso" procedure is simple and the results are satisfactory, particularly in this series of patients who did not follow any rehabilitation program.