Flexor digitorum profundus tendon tear (little finger)

Case contributed by Maulik S Patel
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Kite thread injury to right little finger one day before the presentation. A cut wound on the palmar side at the PIP level. There was absent flexion at the DIP level on examination.

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Male

There is a complete tear of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon. The gap between the retracted tendon edges is about 23 mm. The flexor digitorum superficialis is intact. Digital neurovascular bundles are uninjured. There is no joint effusion.

The asymptomatic ring finger was examined for comparison. Both flexor tendons of the ring fingers are normal.

Intraoperative photos show torn ends of the tendon. The tendon was repaired.

Case Discussion

The case shows flexor digitorum profundus tendon tear due to kite thread. The diagnosis of the tear was clinical. Ultrasound was done to know the extent of retracted tendon edges.

Intraoperative photos courtery: operating surgeon Dr. Vitrag Shah.

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