A self-controllable mask with helmet to prevent self finger-mutilation in the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome

Abstract

Self-mutilation is a characteristic symptom of Lesch-Nyhan syndrome. We report a newly developed orthosis for managing self-mutilation of the fingers through biting. The orthosis has a plastic mask attached to a helmet; the patient can manage the mask with one hand to stop biting fingers on the other hand. This is a report of a 6-year-old boy who was able to control finger biting by using the orthosis. Eighteen months later he has stopped biting his fingers and no longer wears the orthosis.