Acute vascular compromise after avulsion of the distal phalanx with the flexor digitorum profundus tendon

An unusual case of avulsion fracture of the insertion of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon is presented. In most such avulsion fractures a small amount of fractured bone may remain with the tendon. In this case almost the entire distal phalanx was avulsed, and vascular compromise of the digit then occurred. Prompt reduction restored vascularity.