A study of palmar ridge malformation in leprosy.

Palmar ridge malformation of 150 male leprosy patients (50 multibacillary and 100 paucibacillary) were compared with matched controls. Significantly high incidence of ridge malformation was found on the palms of multibacillary leprosy patients. The acquired ridge atrophy was found in 32% multibacillary leprosy, 4.5% paucibacillary leprosy and 0% controls. The congenital ridge dissociation was found in 46% multibacillary leprosy, 20% paucibacillary leprosy and 22% controls. The difference is statistically significant.