J Korean Fract Soc.  2022 Apr;35(2):63-67. 10.12671/jkfs.2022.35.2.63.

Two-Year Follow-Up Results after Tendon Graft and Corrective Osteotomy for the Delayed Rupture of the 2nd-5th Flexor Tendons due to a Malunion of a Distal Radius Fracture - A Case Report -

• Seo JH
• Gwak HG
• Lee JH

• KMID: 2529337
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2022.35.2.63

Abstract

The delayed rupture of the flexor tendons is a rare complication of malunited distal radius fractures after nonoperative management. The known cause of a flexor tendon rupture is attrition between the palmarly displaced ulnar head and the involved tendons. Sharp bony spurs on the volar side of the malunited distal radius can also cause flexor tendon rupture. About 30 cases have been reported in literature. There were only four case reports about the delayed rupture of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th flexor tendons. In this case, we experienced flexor digitorum superficialis and flexor digitorum profundus tendon ruptures of the index, middle, ring, and little fingers, after 8 months following the malunion of a distal radius fracture. At two years follow-up after tendon graft and corrective osteotomy, the range of motion and motor weakness of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th fingers improved.

Keyword

Radius fracture; Fracture malunion; Tendon injuries; Osteotomy