Flexor pollicis longus tendon ruptures after palmar plate fixation of fractures of the distal radius

Abstract

Palmar plate fixation of distal radial fractures is becoming a standard treatment for this common injury. Ruptures of the extensor pollicis longus tendon have been reported in 8.6% of cases after this procedure. Although palmar plate fixation has also been associated with flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon problems, the majority of reported cases pre-date the use of newer anatomically precontoured locking plates. In this paper seven cases of FPL rupture are presented. This complication does not appear to be unique to one type of implant. The possible aetiologies for FPL ruptures are discussed and ways to reduce the incidence of this complication are suggested.