Spontaneous flexor tendon rupture secondary to capitate non-union. A case report and review of literature

Abstract

Rupture of the flexor digitorum profundus and superficialis tendons of the index finger secondary to non-union of the capitate has not yet been reported to our knowledge. We describe the case of a 48-year-old man with rupture of both flexor tendons of the index finger that occurred 15 years after a capitate fracture. The patient was completely asymptomatic before the rupture. Tendon reconstruction was performed using the palmaris longus. One year after surgery, the patient had acceptable range of motion and was pain-free.

Keywords: Capitate; Capitatum; Flexor digitorum profundus; Flexor digitorum superficialis; Fléchisseur profond des doigts; Fléchisseur superficiel des doigts; Non-union; Pseudarthrose; Rupture; Tendon; Tendon rupture.