E-Pearl of the Week: Striatal Hand and Foot

June 2, 2011

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June 1, 2011

Striatal Hand and Foot

Striatal deformities of the hand and foot are typically painless, fixed contractures of the distal joints seen in 10 % of patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease. Originally described by Charcot and Purves-Stewart, the term striatal refers to the pathology located in the neostriatum (caudate and putamen). Unlike dystonia, they are present at rest and in sleep. Striatal toe is differentiated from Babinski sign by lack of toe fanning and flexion synergy of other muscles in the same leg. Response to treatment with antiparkinsonian has been reported, but is not predictable. Botulinum toxin and surgery are other options.

References

1. Ashour R, Tintner R, Jankovic J. Striatal deformities of the hand and foot in Parkinson's disease. Lancet Neurology 2005;4:423-431.

Submitted by:
Partha S Ghosh, MD

Disclosure: Dr. Ghosh reports no disclosures.

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