When do you get a Kutscherhand?

The term "Kutscherhand" refers to a specific hand posture that can occur in patients with tetanus (clamp).

This characteristic hand position is characterized by the thumb and fingers bent tightly toward the palm and the hand looking as if it is holding a rein sleeve, similar to how a coachman would hold the reins of a horse.

This hand position is caused by muscle spasms and contractions caused by the tetanus bacteria Clostridium tetani, which produces a neurotoxin that affects the nerve muscles.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1874121/

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2023-12-11 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024