Delayed Rupture of Flexor Pollicis Longus by Plate for Fracture of the Distal Radius

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Delayed rupture of flexor pollicis longus as a sequelae of the plate inserted for distal radius fracture is a very rare. This is the first case reported and published in Korea. METHODS: A 48 years old female patient visited hospital, complaining flexor disturbance of interphalangeal joint of left thumb, which suddenly occurred without any external wound. We found that she had received operation of fixing plate for fracture of left distal radius 10 years ago. As operational opinion, we have checked that flexor pollicis longus tendon has been ruptured with oblique ways being stimulated by extended plate to palmar side over long period. RESULTS: Authors performed tenorrhaphy of flexor pollicis longus without tendon graft and presented a successful active flexion of the left thumb interphalangeal joint 1 year after the operation. CONCLUSION: If the extruded part of the end plate is observed during the operation or follow-up, it is considered to be necessary to get rid of the plate as early as possible after the fracture healing.