Spontaneous Midsubstance Rupture of the Flexor Digitorum Profundus Tendon of the Long Finger

Abstract

Closed flexor tendon injuries can often result from trauma that causes sudden forceful extension of an actively flexed digit. These closed tendon injuries commonly occur as avulsions in flexor zone I. Spontaneous midsubstance flexor tendon ruptures are rare, especially in the absence of an underlying pathology. Diagnosing such injuries accurately is challenging and critical. We present a case of a zone III spontaneous flexor tendon rupture of the long finger after forceful eccentric loading. Surgical exploration was performed, and the level of the rupture was identified during surgery. A side-to-side tendon repair technique was performed using a palmaris longus tendon graft. No underlying pathology to explain the rupture was found in this case. This report emphasizes the importance of considering spontaneous midsubstance ruptures, identifying the level of ruptures, and preoperative planning for such cases. It reviews the possible causes and treatment of spontaneous flexor tendon rupture.

Keywords

• Closed flexor tendon rupture
• Flexor tendon repair
• Midsubstance rupture
• Spontaneous tendon rupture
• Zone III rupture