Arch Hand Microsurg.  2018 Jun;23(2):87-92. 10.12790/ahm.2018.23.2.87.

Delayed Rupture of Flexor Tendons due to a Malunion of Distal Radius Fracture

• Kim TG
• Heo YM
• Yi JW
• Oh BH
• Ham CU

• KMID: 2412477
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12790/ahm.2018.23.2.87

Abstract

Tendon ruptures of the finger may occur due to various causes around the wrist. Because the malunion of distal radius affects the morphology of distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), it may cause an arthritis of this joint. Progression of arthritis of the DRUJ may result in bony spurs, dislocation of ulnar head, or change of inclination of sigmoid notch. These changes can cause the attritional rupture of tendons around the DRUJ. We experienced an attritional rupture of 4/5th flexor tendons in a patient with arthritis of the DRUJ and palmar subluxation of ulnar head caused by malunion of distal radius. Although an attritional rupture of flexor tendons is less common than that of extensor tendons, progression of attritional ruptures and management are similar. However, because there are some differences between the former and the latter in radiologic findings and surgical considerations, we report this case with a review of the literature.

Keyword

Distal radius; Distal radioulnar joint; Malunion; Arthritis; Flexor tendon rupture

MeSH Terms

Arthritis
Colon, Sigmoid
Dislocations
Fingers
Head
Humans
Joints
Radius Fractures*
Radius*
Rupture*
Tendons*
Wrist

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