Flexor tendon injuries following plate fixation of distal radius fractures: a systematic review of the literature

Background

Flexor tendon rupture is a rare but major complication associated with volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures.

Materials and methods

We performed a systematic review to evaluate the demographics, clinical profile, treatment and outcome of flexor tendon rupture following volar plate fixation of distal radius fracture. Electronic searches of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases for systematic reviews and conference proceedings were performed. Studies were included if they reported flexor tendon rupture (partial or complete) as a complication of distal radius fracture plating (all levels of evidence).

Result

Our search yielded 21 studies. There were 12 case reports and 9 clinical studies. A total of 47 cases were reported. There were 11 males and 23 females (n = 16 studies). The mean age was 61 years old (range 30–85). The median interval between the surgery and flexor tendon rupture was 9 months (interquartile range, 6–26 months). Twenty-nine plates were locking and 15 were nonlocking (n = 20 studies). FPL was the most commonly ruptured tendon (n = 27 cases, 57 %), with FDP to index finger being the second most common (n = 7 cases, 15 %). Palmaris longus tendon graft and primary end-to-end repair were the most common surgical methods used in cases of FPL tendon rupture.

Conclusion

Flexor tendon rupture is a recognised complication of volar plating of distal radius fracture. Positioning of the plate proximal to the “watershed” line and early removal of the plate in cases with plate prominence or warning symptoms can reduce the risk of this complication.     

Flexor carpi radialis tendon rupture as a complication of a closed distal radius fracture: a case report

Although extensor pollicis longus tendon ruptures have been noted as a complication of distal radius fractures, flexor tendon ruptures in association with acute fractures of the distal radius are rare. We report a rupture of the flexor carpi radialis tendon as a complication of an acute distal radius fracture that was discovered during operative management of the fracture.     

Two-stage reconstruction for flexor tendon injuries in zone II using a silicone rod and pedicled sublimis tendon graft

We report the results of staged flexor tendon reconstruction in 12 patients (12 fingers) with neglected or failed primary repair of flexor tendon injuries in zone II. Injuries involved both flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) and flexor digitorum sublimis (FDS), with poor prognosis (Boyes grades II–IV). The procedure included placing a silicone rod and creating a loop between the FDP and FDS in the first stage and reflecting the latter as a pedicled graft through the pseudosheath created around the silicone rod in the second stage. At a mean follow-up of 18 months (range 12–30 months), results were assessed by clinical examination and questionnaire. The mean total active motion of these fingers was 188°. The mean power grip was 80.0% and pinch grip was 76% of the contralateral hand. The rate of excellent and good results was 75% according to the Buck-Gramcko scale. These results were better than the subjective scores given by the patients. Complications included postoperative hematoma in two, infection in one, silicone synovitis in one (after stage I) and three flexion contractures after stage II. This study confirmed the usefulness of two-stage flexor tendon reconstruction using the combined technique as a salvage procedure to restore flexor tendon function with a few complications.     

Reconstruction of Neglected Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon Rupture: A Case Report

Isolated rupture of the flexor hallucis longus tendon is an unusual injury. We present the case of a neglected flexor hallucis longus tendon closed traumatic rupture at the plantar aspect of the first phalangeal head of the great toe in a middle-age male. The injury occurred while he was dancing. Because end-to-end tendon suture was impossible, the ensuing gap was repaired using a free plantaris tendon graft. We present the operative repair benefit of the flexor hallucis longus tendon rupture to regain the function and strength of the interphalangeal joint of the hallux, avoid extension of the distal phalanx, and maintain the longitudinal arch of the foot.     

应用(足母)长屈肌腱加用跖肌腱加固重建陈旧性跟腱断裂

1999年6月-2004年3月采用（足母）长屈肌腱（FHL）加用跖肌腱加固治疗陈旧性跟腱断裂13例,现报告如下。     

应用(足母) 长屈肌腱加用跖肌腱加固重建陈旧性跟腱断裂

1999年6月-2004年3月采用长屈肌腱(FHL)加用跖肌腱加固治疗陈旧性跟腱断裂13例,现报告如下。1临床资料本组13例,男10例,女3例;年龄23~57岁,平均37·4岁;左侧8例,右侧5例;病程28~147d,平均78d。致伤原因:运动伤11例,切割伤2例。4例经手术修复后再断裂。伤后未处理1例。临床表现:13例均主诉踝跖屈提踵无力,其中8例足跟痛,跛行。体检:跟腱断裂处凹陷,Thompsom试验9例阳性,3例可疑,1例阴性。对可疑者行MRI检查。2手术方法手术采用硬膜外麻醉,俯卧,在气压止血带下进行。沿跟腱内侧S形切口,显露跟腱断端及跖肌腱。术中见残端均为瘢痕组织,充…     

克氏针远指间关节屈曲固定加牵引治疗小儿屈指肌腱止点断裂

正2008年8月~2015年6月,我们采用克氏针远指间关节屈曲固定加牵引治疗18例屈指深肌腱止点断裂患儿,疗效满意,报道如下。1材料与方法1.1病例资料本组18例,男12例,女6例,年龄1.5~5岁。其中拇指8例,示指6例,中指4例。伤口位于远指间关节附近,肌腱止点处断裂,形状为横行或斜行。致伤原因:水果刀割伤10     

Spontaneous flexor tendon rupture of the flexor digitorum profundus secondary to an anatomic variant

We report a case of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon rupture of the little finger, which was predisposed by an anatomic variation of the tendon. Intraoperative findings and magnetic resonance imaging of the opposite hand suggested that the flexor digitorum profundus tendons of the ring and the little finger bifurcated. The patient had tendon reconstruction and regained function. We believe that reconstructing the tendon so that it resembles the normal anatomy prevents the recurrence of tendon rupture.     

Flexor hallucis longus tendon branch test: Development and validation of a new method to assess anatomical variation of the tendinous slip

BackgroundThe flexor hallucis longus (FHL) muscle often has a tendinous slip with a variable number of branches. We aimed at developing the FHL branch test to determine the number of FHL branches.MethodsIn anatomical validation study, 6 intact cadavers were used. The toe flexion angles were measured while the FHL and flexor digitorum longus (FDL) were manually pulled individually. For electrophysiological studies, 4 healthy men participated. The FHL was electrically stimulated, and electromyography (EMG) of the FHL and FDL were recorded during the FHL branch test.ResultsThe toe flexion angles’ changes in the FHL pulling condition were equivalent with pulling FDL in toes with FHL branching. The electrical stimulation of the FHL produced similar flexion as the FHL branch test. EMG of the FHL was higher than FDL during the FHL branch test (p = 0.036).ConclusionsThe FHL branch test could be used to evaluate the number of FHL branches.     

Flexor tendon repair in vitro: a comparative histologic study of the rabbit, chicken, dog, and monkey

Flexor tendon healing in four different animal species was explored in a tissue culture system. Ninety percent transverse lacerations were made in 88 tendon segments obtained from rabbits, chickens, dogs, and monkeys. The tendons were removed from culture and studied by light and electron microscopy at intervals of 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks. A characteristic sequence of repair including epitenon thickening, cellular differentiation, cell migration, and phagocytosis was seen in each of the repaired tendons. The endotenon cells of several animal tendons appeared to be synthesizing collagen. There was a consistent difference in the rate of healing between the four species. The rabbit tendons demonstrated nearly complete closure of the repair site by 12 weeks. A lesser response was seen in the chicken, followed by the dog and monkey. The differences in healing rate appeared to be due to the non-species-specific in vitro culture media. The in vitro flexor tendon culture system is particularly useful in studying the tendon repair responses of various species with the contributions of vascularity and synovial cells excluded.     

Flexor tendon repairs: the impact of fiberwire on grasping and locking core sutures

PURPOSE: Immediate surgical repair and early mobilization are essential in preventing adhesion formation and finger stiffness. A new polyethylene-based, braided suture material, Fiberwire (Arthrex, Naples, FL), touting increased strength, presents the potential for stronger repairs and, therefore, earlier active motion after surgery with a greater safety margin. The purpose of this biomechanic study was to investigate the differences in gap formation, tensile strength, and mode of failure for 2 distinct repair techniques using nylon, Ethibond (Ethicon, Somerville, NJ), and Fiberwire. METHODS: Human cadaver flexor tendons were harvested and repaired in a randomized fashion with either the Strickland or Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) repairs using either nylon, Ethibond, or Fiberwire. Twelve tendons per group were repaired for each combination of material and method. During load-to-failure testing, 2-mm gap force and maximum tensile strength were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Strickland repairs failed by suture pull-out in 74% of repairs, whereas 99% of the MGH repairs failed by suture breakage. For MGH repairs, Fiberwire suture provided significantly more tensile strength than Ethibond and nylon. For Strickland repairs, where the mode of failure was more often by suture pull-out rather than breakage, differences between type of suture were not significant. When comparing repair techniques using Fiberwire, the MGH repair was significantly stronger than the Strickland repair. CONCLUSIONS: Biomechanic testing shows that Fiberwire outperforms both Ethibond and nylon suture when using a locked flexor tendon repair suture (MGH repair) but not when using a grasping-type, nonlocking repair (Strickland repair).     

Surgical treatment for partial rupture of the distal biceps tendon using palmaris longus tendon graft: A case report

We report a case of a partial rupture of the distal biceps tendon that was surgically treated using a palmaris longus tendon graft. A 58-year-old man complained of increasing pain with resisted elbow flexion and supination in the antecubital fossa. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the irregularity of a distal attachment of the biceps brachii and peripheral signal changes. We diagnosed a partial rupture of the distal biceps tendon. Because conservative treatment failed, surgical treatment was performed through a single anterior approach. The insertion of the tendon was partially ruptured at the radial tuberosity. After the involved site was debrided, the palmaris longus tendon was grafted with suture anchors to reinforce the remaining tendon. Postoperative immobilization was not performed, and all moves were freed after 3 weeks. At the 6-year postoperative follow-up, the patient no longer experienced pain and returned to his original job without any limitations.     

伸肌腱腱帽解剖与异体腱帽移植的相关性实验研究

目的 探讨伸肌腱腱帽解剖与异体腱帽移植的相关性研究。方法 对6只新鲜尸手24指指伸肌腱腱帽的动力结构和静力结构进行观察,并测定了各指伸肌腱在腱帽处的滑动范围。结果 各指腱帽桡、尺侧的长度均是桡侧长于尺侧,各指伸肌腱腱帽的滑动范围在0．9－1．5cm间,示指最大,小指最小。结论 异体腱移植可恢复伸肌腱腱帽的原有结构,可避免自体肌腱移植后的肌腱移植后的肌腱下滑而影响伸指功能的恢复。     

Flexor tendon injuries of the hand treated with TenoFix<Superscript>TM</Superscript>: mid-term results

Background  Recently, the Teno Fix^TM device has been detailed in the literature. Conventional stranded cruciate repair requires splinting to protect the sutures from excessive loading, and then, active motion is strongly limited leading to a possible incomplete functional recovery. Materials and methods  The authors report on their experience in treating 21 patients presenting primary flexor tendon injuries within the digital sheath in zone 2, in all fingers (including the thumb), at an average follow-up of 16 (range: 6–26) months. Results  There were, according to Strickland and Glogovac criteria: 12 excellent; 6 good; 3 fair. Conclusions  This new device is practical clinically and can effect strong tendon repairs that withstand early active finger motion, but the best indication is to treat only selected cases of sharp flexor tendon lesions in zone 2. Using this technique it is possible to achieve a quick functional recovery and early return to work.     

微创切取长屈肌腱重建慢性跟腱断裂

目的探讨微创切取长屈肌腱转移重建慢性跟腱断裂的临床效果。方法 2006年7月-2009年12月,收治22例22足慢性跟腱断裂患者。男16例,女6例;年龄28～65岁,中位年龄48岁。21例有患足用力蹬地史,1例无明显诱因。患者出现症状至手术时间为27～1 025 d,中位时间51 d。均有走路无力症状,Thompson试验呈阳性。根据美国矫形足踝协会(AOFAS)踝与后足疗效评价标准评分为(53.04±6.75)分。MRI示跟腱缺损长度为4.2～8.0 cm。术中作中足足底内侧切口和趾间关节跖侧平行横纹的小切口分步切取长屈肌腱,切取长度为超过跟骨结节10.5～13.5 cm,作3束反折编织缝合。界面螺钉或锚钉于跟骨后结节固定肌腱。结果术后患者切口均Ⅰ期愈合,无早期并发症发生。22例均获随访,随访时间12～42个月,平均16.7个月。术后12个月根据AOFAS踝与后足疗效评价标准评分为(92.98±5.72)分,与术前比较差异有统计学意义(t=—40.903,P=0.000);获优18例,良2例,可2例,优良率90.9%。随访期间均未见胫、腓肠神经损伤、跖底部痛性瘢痕、足底内外侧神经损伤。结论微创切取长屈肌腱转移重建慢性跟腱断裂具有切口小、术后恢复快、肌腱固定强度高以及并发症少的优点。