J Korean Soc Plast Reconstr Surg.  2008 Nov;35(6):751-754.

Delayed Rupture of Flexor Pollicis Longus by Plate for Fracture of the Distal Radius

• Hwang SM
• Ahn SM
• Oh KS
• Kim JH
• Lee JH

Abstract

PURPOSE: Delayed rupture of flexor pollicis longus as a sequelae of the plate inserted for distal radius fracture is a very rare. This is the first case reported and published in Korea.
METHODS
A 48 years old female patient visited hospital, complaining flexor disturbance of interphalangeal joint of left thumb, which suddenly occurred without any external wound. We found that she had received operation of fixing plate for fracture of left distal radius 10 years ago. As operational opinion, we have checked that flexor pollicis longus tendon has been ruptured with oblique ways being stimulated by extended plate to palmar side over long period.
RESULTS
Authors performed tenorrhaphy of flexor pollicis longus without tendon graft and presented a successful active flexion of the left thumb interphalangeal joint 1 year after the operation.
CONCLUSION
If the extruded part of the end plate is observed during the operation or follow-up, it is considered to be necessary to get rid of the plate as early as possible after the fracture healing.

Keyword

Flexor pollicis longus; Delayed rupture; Distal radius fracture

MeSH Terms

Drug Combinations
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Joints
Piperonyl Butoxide
Pyrethrins
Radius
Radius Fractures
Rupture
Tendons
Thumb
Transplants
Drug Combinations
Piperonyl Butoxide
Pyrethrins