A "Delayed Jersey Finger": Case Report and Literature Review

Jersey finger, or avulsion of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon from its insertion on the distal phalanx, is typically a condition requiring prompt surgical intervention. Delayed presentations are rare and present surgical difficulties due to tendon retraction and adhesion formation.

We report the case of a 59-year-old patient who presented to the hospital 1 month later with a closed avulsion injury to the flexor tendon of the fifth finger of the left hand following blunt trauma. Intraoperatively, the ruptured FDP tendon was located just proximal to the A1 pulley. Tendon retrieval and distal relocation were performed using a silicone rod. Without sacrificing the pulley system, the tendon was reattached to the distal phalanx using a mini-anchor suture. There was no problem in the post-operative recovery period, and the patient regained satisfactory flexion function.

This case demonstrates that delayed FDP avulsion injuries can be managed effectively with direct repair and anchor fixation, even several weeks post-injury, without pulley sacrifice or complex tendon grafting. However, it should be kept in mind that tendon retraction may not allow direct repair in every case.