[The most frequent kinds of self-mutilation of the extremities].

We describe the characteristic symptoms and the progress of self-inflicted injuries to the limbs on the basis of 4 out of 15 cases. Glove-like edemas (which can lead to the misdiagnosis Sudeck's disease) are the most frequent. Chronic tapping and scratching of soft tissues induces local swelling which suggests a sarcoma. Contractures are especially difficult to diagnose. Development resulting from self-manipulation should always be considered when the disease manifestations persist for an incredibly long time (even after an adequate trauma), when the cause cannot be explained by mechanical or neurological findings and when the symptoms do not match the imitated disease in all details. Mostly the patient own to the self-inflicted injury, when he clearly feels to be sized up.