Presentation
Sudden pain and snapping sensation in the thenar region in a recreational rock climber. Bowstringing of the FPL tendon on flexion.
Patient Data
Age: 35 years
Gender: Male
From the case:
Closed flexor pulley rupture of the thumb



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Info

Increased distance between the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon and the proximal phalanx, heamorrhage in between.
Case Discussion
Ruptures of the annular ligaments of the flexor tendon sheaths are typical injuries in rock climbers. However, the thumb is only rarely affected 1. Its pulley anatomy is different from that of the long fingers 2.