Avulsion of the Flexor Digitorum Profundus Tendon During the Curettage of a Recurrent Enchondroma: A Case Report

Enchondroma rarely occurs in the distal phalanx, and avulsion of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon in this area is also rare. We report a case of recurrent enchondroma in the distal phalanx, which required reconstruction for an accidental FDP avulsion during surgery. A 36-year-old right-handed woman visited our hospital with a suspected recurrence of enchondroma and a planned surgery. Radiographs and computed tomography revealed three translucent lesions in the distal phalanx of her left index finger. We performed curettage and calcium phosphate bone cement (CPC) grafting. During the procedure, an avulsion of the FDP tendon was found. We reattached the FDP tendon using a pull-out technique. The pathological diagnosis confirmed enchondroma. One year after the operation, she reported no pain. The range of motion (ROM) for distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint extension was 5 degrees for the right index finger and -15 degrees for the left index finger. Both ROMs of the DIP joint in flexion were 75 degrees. To the best of our knowledge, this case is notable for the use of CPC grafting and represents the third reported case of FDP avulsion due to recurrent enchondroma in the distal phalanx.