J Korean Soc Surg Hand.  2015 Dec;20(4):198-203. 10.12790/jkssh.2015.20.4.198.

Acute Rupture of Flexor Digitorum Profundus Tendon Associated with Distal Radius Fracture: A Case Report

• Lee DY
• Hwang SC
• Nam DC
• Park JS

• KMID: 2150403
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12790/jkssh.2015.20.4.198

Abstract

Acute ruptures of flexor tendons in patients with distal radius fractures are very rare complications. The majority of reported cases, flexor tendon rupture associated with distal radius fracture, is chronic flexor tendon ruptures, which are caused by implants for fixation or rough surfaces of malunited distal radius. We experienced an unusual case of an acute rupture of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon in a patient with a distal radius fracture, in addition to providing an auxiliary review of the literature.

Keyword

Distal radius fracture; Flexor tendon rupture; Complication

MeSH Terms

Humans
Radius Fractures*
Radius*
Rupture*
Tendons*

Figure

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  Fig. 1. (A) Initial radiographs of the wrist showing a comminuted and displaced distal radius fracture with dorsal angulation and ulnar styloid process fracture. Note the bony beak at the proximal fractured end and the obvious deformity of the wrist. (B) Computed tomography scan showing simple intra-articular and simple metaphysic fractures of the distal radius.The bony beak at the proximal fractured end is prominently shown (white arrow).

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  Fig. 2. Intraoperative gross picture showing ruptured third flexor digitorum profundus tendon at the musculotendinous junction in flexor tendon zone V.

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  Fig. 3. Intraoperative gross picture showing repaired tendon (black arrow) using the modified Kessler technique and a running epitendinous suture for reinforcement.

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  Fig. 4. (A) Preoperative gross picture showing a disruption of finger cascade at the third distal interphalangeal joint. (B) Postoperative gross picture showing restored finger cascade at the third distal interphalangeal joint.

Reference

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