Type IV FDP avulsion: lessons learned clinically and through review of the literature

The type IV flexor digitorum profundus avulsion is a rare injury involving fracture of the volar base of the distal phalanx and separation of the tendon from the fracture fragment. Recommendations for management are sparse and are substantiated only by a few isolated case reports. We recently encountered two of these injuries, both of which proved challenging, particularly with regard to joint incongruity and tendon adhesions. In reviewing the literature, it is apparent that no consensus exists regarding surgical strategies. However, based on our experience and that of other authors, we can suggest the following: (1) high index of suspicion of this potentially deceptive injury, with use of magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound if preoperative confirmation is needed; (2) rigid bony fixation that prevents dorsal subluxation of the distal phalanx; (3) tendon repair that is independent of the bony fixation; and (4) early range of motion therapy.