Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Murine Flexor Tendon Injury and Repair Surgery
Published on: September 19, 2016
Reconstruction of the flexor pollicis longus tendon ruptured, but untreated, during infancy
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Oiso Hospital, Tokai University Medical Center, Kanagawa, Japan.
Insights
This study presents a two-stage surgical repair for infantile flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon ruptures using a silicone rod, achieving favorable thumb flexion. Successful outcomes were observed despite initial gliding issues, highlighting the technique
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Pediatric Hand Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Infantile rupture of the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon often goes unrepaired.
- Untreated FPL tendon ruptures can lead to significant functional deficits in thumb flexion.
Observation:
- A two-stage surgical reconstruction using a silicone rod was performed on three patients with unrepaired infantile FPL tendon ruptures.
- Initial gliding of the silicone rod was suboptimal in one case, yet a favorable outcome was achieved.
Findings:
- The two-stage surgical technique successfully reconstructed the FPL tendon, restoring thumb flexion.
- Utilizing the existing tendon sheath as a pulley is crucial; reconstruction is necessary if absent.
- The flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) muscle of the affected digit can serve as the motor source if viable; otherwise, FDS transfer from the ring finger is an option.
Implications:
- This reconstructive approach offers a viable solution for managing unrepaired infantile FPL tendon ruptures.
- The findings emphasize the importance of tendon sheath integrity and provide alternative motor source strategies for successful tendon reconstruction.
- This technique can significantly improve thumb function and quality of life for affected children.
Abstract:
We treated 3 patients who had ruptured the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon during infancy and which had not been repaired. A two-stage surgical procedure, using a silicone rod, was performed to reconstruct the tendon, and favorable thumb flexion was obtained. A favorable outcome was obtained, even if the gliding of the silicone rod had been poor after the first stage procedure. When the scar of the tendon sheath is available, it should be used as a pulley. When the tendon sheath has completely disappeared, it should be reconstructed. At the second stage of surgery, the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle of the injured finger can be used as a motor source when the muscle is conserved in good condition because its distal stump adheres to the bone. If the muscle is not in good condition, transfer of the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle of the ring finger should be performed.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
01:16Muscles of the Forearm that Move the Hand and Fingers
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment muscles originate from the humerus. They primarily function as flexors and are also known as flexor muscles. They typically insert on the carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. The superficial layer includes the flexor carpi radialis,...