Leprosy continues to cause permanent hand deformities such as claw hand, wrist drop, and loss of grip even after cure, leading to significant functional disability among Leprosy Cured Persons with Deformity (LCPDs). Limited access to reconstructive surgery highlights the need for alternative rehabilitation approaches. Customized splints and assistive devices provide a non-invasive, cost-effective solution to improve hand function, prevent deformity progression, and enhance daily living activities.
A one-day event with lectures and Prevention of Deformity (PoD) camp was organized on 21st March 2026 at Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai. Prof. Dr. Shovan Saha, Department of Occupational Therapy, Manipal Academy of Higher Education and President, Society for Hand Therapy, India, delivered a lecture on “Role of Customized Splints and Adaptive Devices in Enhancing Human Participation,” emphasizing correction of deformities for LCPDs.
The event was attended by experts including Prof. Dr. V. Chandramouleeswaran, Neurologist, Prof. Dr. V.Alamelu, Leprologist and Plastic Surgeon, Dr. B. Madhan, Chief Scientist, CSIR-CLRI, Mr. Manikandan, Occupation Therapist, and K. Balaji, Central Govt Counsel, Madras High Court.
Around 20 Occupational and Physiotherapists participated as Delegates. Under expert guidance, customized splints and adaptive devices were prepared and fitted for 30 LCPDs during the camp.
The program had the presence and blessings of Swami Raghunayakananda, Manager of Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai and Swami Viswarajananda. The event significantly strengthened ongoing rehabilitation efforts and demonstrated the practical impact of assistive interventions in improving functional independence and social participation among LCPDs.