Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 27, 2026
Polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE as a Suture Material in Tendon Surgery
Published on: October 6, 2022
Flexor Digitorum Superficialis Tenodesis for Traumatic Digit Amputation at the Level of the Proximal Phalanx
Maureen A O'Shaughnessy1, Sanjeev Kakar1
11 Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
Background:
Traumatic amputation of the digit requiring revision amputation at the level of the proximal phalanx provides the opportunity to improve flexor function via tenodesis of the remaining flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon. Salvage of the remaining FDS and performing flexor tenodesis to the proximal phalanx allows increased flexion at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint.
Methods:
This series reviews FDS tenodesis, outlining its surgical technique with clinical and functional outcomes. Institutional review board-approved retrospective study was performed. Twelve digits in 8 patients were included.
Results:
Average flexion-extension arc of affected MCP joint was 82°, and average grip strength was 70% of unaffected extremity. No patients required revision surgery or revision amputation. One patient had a minor wound infection treated successfully with oral antibiotics.
Conclusions:
FDS tenodesis is a reliable motion-preserving procedure for patients with amputations at the level of the proximal phalanx to maintain flexion at the MCP joint.
Related Concept Videos
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...
01:28Muscles of the Leg that Move the Foot and Toes
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment includes muscles that contribute to the dorsiflexion of the foot. This compartment houses the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles....