The Analysis of Physical Deformity of the Persons Inflicted with Leprosy Basis on Outpatients visited hospital

Kim, Jong Pill; Kim, Youn Sil; Ko, Young Hoon

Abstract

Recently the detection rate of new patients of leprosy becomes low in Korea. Deformity is defined as any deviation from the normal appearance of any parts of the body. Deformity can become a handicap for a person's whole life-time. So the leprosy is the causes of physical deformities, the leprologists must be concern about the physical deformities. For the purpose of evaluating the physical deformities of person inflicted with leprosy, a study was carried out of 870 leprosy out-patients [(who had visited Institute for Leprosy Research, Korean Hansen Welfare Association during 1 year(Oct. 2001- Sep. 2002)]. Of 870 patients, 806 (92.6%) had one more deformities or disfigurements, 806 (92.6%) had deformities or disfigurements of face, 537 (61.0%) had deformities or disfigurements of hands, and 349 (40.1%) had deformities or disfigurements of feet.