Delayed rupture of the flexor tendons as a complication of malunited distal radius fracture after nonoperative management: A report of two cases

Abstract

Rupture of the flexor tendons is a rare complication following distal radius malunion after nonoperative management. This article presents 2 cases of delayed flexor tendon ruptures following malunited distal radius fracture and discusses the characteristics, operative management, and outcomes of this rare complication by reviewing the previous literature. Our analysis demonstrate that surgical reconstruction of ruptured tendons provides good outcomes when the number of tendon ruptures is small. If multiple tendon ruptures are present, surgical outcomes may be poor despite surgical reconstruction. Osseous surgery would be necessary to prevent additional tendon ruptures; however, less invasive and simple surgeries arrowing early rehabilitation would be preferable. Keywords: Distal radius fracture, Malunion, Nonoperative treatment, Flexor tendon rupture, Complication