Hand atrophy in a leprosy patient--treatment with polymethylmethacrylate.

Leprosy, an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, affects mostly the skin and peripheral nerves. The polymethylmethacrylate has been used as bone cement, knee and intraocular implants as a bioexpansor, filling the area where it is applied. We describe the case of a Brazilian male with tuberculoid leprosy who developed muscular wasting between the metacarpals of both hands. Ten years after leprosy treatment, he was submitted to five applications of 10% polymethylmethacrylate. The treatment was successful, improving the appearance of his hands leading to a positive impact on the patient's life.