Rupture of flexor tendons to the little finger due to bony irregularities in the carpal tunnel

Rupture of a finger flexor tendon occurs most commonly in the patient with rheumatoid arthritis. We have treated two patients who suffered rupture of the flexor tendons to the little finger due to bony irregularities in the carpal tunnel unrelated to rheumatoid disease. Each irregularity was removed and the rough surface covered with a portion of the flexor retinaculum. This resurfacing affords protection against recurrent abrasion and rupture. Tendon function was restored by suturing the ruptured profundus tendon to the adjacent intact profundus tendon of the ring finger. Satisfactory function of the little finger was achieved in both patients. Neither patient has experienced recurrent rupture.