Anatomy of the flexor digitorum profundus insertion

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Biomechanics
• Hand Surgery

Background:

• The flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon is crucial for finger flexion.
• Accurate anatomical knowledge of its distal phalanx insertion is vital for surgical repair, especially in zone I injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To precisely describe the anatomical insertion of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon onto the distal phalanx of the fingers.
• To provide quantitative data to aid in the anatomical attachment of the FDP tendon during surgical interventions.

Main Methods:

• Dissection of the FDP tendon insertion on the distal phalanx of the index, middle, ring, and little fingers in 10 fresh-frozen cadavers.
• Measurement of insertion length, width, distance from the joint, surface area, and centroid of the FDP insertion.
• Calculation of the FDP insertion's surface area and centroid relative to the distal phalanx.

Main Results:

• The average FDP insertion length was 6.2 mm and width was 7.9 mm.
• The FDP tendon occupied an average of 20% of the distal phalanx surface area.
• The centroid of the insertion was approximately 3.6 mm (20% of distal phalangeal length) from the distal interphalangeal joint.

Conclusions:

• Detailed anatomical data on the FDP insertion site were established.
• This information can guide precise FDP tendon reattachment in zone I injuries.
• Enhanced understanding of FDP anatomy improves surgical repair positioning and outcomes.