Which of the following arches are lost with Claw Fingers Deformity?

Claw fingers deformity is characterized by a specific hand posture that results from muscle imbalance and nerve issues, particularly affecting the intrinsic muscles and leading to the characteristic flexed position of the fingers at the proximal interphalangeal joints and hyperextension at the metacarpophalangeal joints.

In this deformity, the proximal transverse and distal transverse arches of the hand are compromised. The proximal transverse arch, which is formed across the carpal bones and is crucial for stability and function, is often disrupted due to the altered positioning and lack of control over the fingers. The distal transverse arch, which is more distal and entails the metacarpal heads and pulps, also loses its integrity due to the inability of the muscles to maintain the necessary tension and coordination for a functional grasp.

The longitudinal arch, extending from the wrist through the fingertips, may remain more intact than the other two arches, as some finger function might still be present owing to the preserved extrinsic muscle actions, even in the context of claw fingers.

This understanding emphasizes that claw fingers deformity predominantly impacts the proximal transverse and distal transverse arches, which are critical for grip and hand shape.