Arch Hand Microsurg.  2023 Dec;28(4):275-280. 10.12790/ahm.23.0035.

Linburg-Comstock syndrome: a case report and review of the literature

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine

Abstract

In 1979, Linburg and Comstock reported a lesion that interfered with the independent flexion of the fingers due to an abnormal connection between the flexor pollicis longus and the tendon of the flexor digitorum profundus to the index finger. This entity can cause discomfort in daily life when functionally delicate finger use is required; therefore, surgical treatment is sometimes recommended depending on the symptoms. The authors performed surgical treatment for a patient who visited our outpatient clinic seeking functional improvement for congenital symptoms of simultaneous thumb and index finger flexion and obtained satisfactory results. Reports of surgical treatment for Linburg-Comstock syndrome are rare in Korea, so the authors report this experience, along with a review of the literature.

Keyword

Linburg-Comstock syndrome; Flexor pollicis longus; Flexor digitorum profundus; Surgical treatment

Figure

  • Fig. 1. Demonstration of the patient’s simultaneous flexion of the thumb and the index finger in the right hand.

  • Fig. 2. Abnormal tendon slip (arrows) was observed between flexor pollicis longus tendon and second flexor digitorum profundus tendon at the level of distal metaphysis of radius to metacarpal base level. T1 images (A, D, and E) and T2 magnetic resonance images (B). (C) An illustration helping to understand this abnormal anatomy.

  • Fig. 3. (A, B) Anomalous tendon slip (red arrows) was noted between flexor pollicis longus tendon and second flexor digitorum profundus with tenosynovitis. (C, D) The anomalous tendon slip, measuring about 8 cm in length and about 2 mm in diameter, was resected.

  • Fig. 4. One-year follow-up physical examination demonstrating active independent flexion of the right interphalangeal joint of the thumb.


Reference

References

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