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Partially retained small finger flexor digitorum profundus function despite complete tendon loss in the forearm
Mark W Scanlan1, Randall V Ehrlich, Robert J Strauch
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|July 14, 2004
Summary
Partial flexion in the small finger
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Hand Surgery
- Anatomy
Background:
- Traumatic injuries to the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon can impair hand function.
- Understanding tendon interconnections is crucial for diagnosing and treating hand injuries.
Observation:
- A case study involving a traumatic laceration of the small finger FDP tendon in the distal forearm was analyzed.
- The patient presented with retained partial active flexion at the small finger distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint.
Findings:
- Despite a complete proximal tendon deficit, partial FDP function at the DIP joint was observed.
- Tendinous interconnections between the ring and small FDP tendons, along with lumbrical muscles, likely facilitated this residual function.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering tendinous interconnections in cases of apparent complete tendon rupture.
- Accurate assessment of residual function can guide surgical planning and rehabilitation strategies in hand injuries.
- Further anatomical studies may elucidate the functional significance of these interconnections in various clinical scenarios.