Dr. Pramod, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Brains Super Speciality Hospital.

 

Leprosy, known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae.

 

The disease affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosal surfaces of the respiratory tract, and the eyes. Leprosy is known to occur in all age groups ranging from early childhood to old age. Leprosy is similar to tuberculosis in many ways, even under the microscope they look similar, slow-growing bacteria and require long-term medication and follow-up. Leprosy is transmitted via droplets, from the nose and mouth, through coughing and sneezing.

 

Leprosy has been around since ancient times. For centuries, people isolated and shunned those with leprosy because the disease was not understood properly. With the discovery of newer medications and early treatment, there is a cure for leprosy with minimal deformity. There is no need to isolate or quarantine people with leprosy.

 

Recently we treated a 35-year-old school teacher with leprosy deformity by surgical correction. He was in medical management for the last 1 year. However, he did not respond to physiotherapy and both his hand functions were affected. He was unable to do his daily activities and work in his profession. The leprosy had affected both his ulnar and median nerve function.

 

After assessment of his deformity at BRAINS Super Specialty Hospital in March 2024. He underwent surgery on his left hand in April 2024 and his left hand in October 2024. After the successful completion of his physical rehabilitation and exercises, he has gone back to his profession with full recovery.

 

Central sleep apnea (CSA):

Leprosy is curable with early intervention and proper rehabilitation. Any residual deformities can be corrected by reconstructive surgeries like tendon transfers and physiotherapy. The patients recover fully and return to normal life.

 

We as a society need not shun these patients with leprosy and accept them as normal human beings like any other disease like diabetes, hypertension, etc). The stigma associated with leprosy continues because of ignorance and lack of social acceptance.

 

We at Brains Hospital and Trauma Centre continue to treat such patients with compassion and better understanding, without any fear or prejudice. Apart from educating the family members of such patients. Leprosy patients need social rehabilitation along with medical management.