ACHEIRIA (ACHIRIA): Definition, History, and Further Reading
ACHEIRIA (ACHIRIA) is a Greek term meaning “without hands”, and it is used to describe conditions of physical disability in which an individual has lost the use of their hands due to congenital or acquired causes. ACHEIRIA is recognized as a distinct medical condition and is listed in the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).
The earliest known medical text to mention ACHEIRIA is the Hippocratic Corpus, a collection of ancient Greek medical works written in the 5th century BCE. In the Corpus, ACHEIRIA is discussed as a possible cause of paralysis or “partial paralysis”, and is attributed to an imbalance of the four humors. Although ACHEIRIA was known to the ancient Greeks, it is unclear how commonly the condition was diagnosed in the ancient world.
In modern times, ACHEIRIA is typically classified as an upper-limb disability, along with conditions such as brachial plexus injury, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis. It is estimated that approximately 10 million people worldwide are affected by ACHEIRIA. Treatment options for ACHEIRIA vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition, but may include physical and occupational therapy, assistive technology, and orthotics.
ACHEIRIA is an important condition to recognize and treat, as it can severely impact individuals’ ability to perform daily activities. Therefore, it is important for healthcare providers to be aware of the medical and functional implications of ACHEIRIA.
For further reading on ACHEIRIA, see:
Gibbons, P. J., & Buchanan, K. (2010). Upper limb disabilities: Assessment, management, and rehabilitation. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Van Den Akker-Scheek, I., & Pool-Goudzwaard, A. L. (2016). Upper limb function in individuals with disabilities: Evidence-based interventions. Springer International Publishing.
Yamakami, K., & Sato, N. (2017). Physical therapy for upper limb in hemiplegia. Springer International Publishing.