Median nerve compression, with tendon ruptures, after Colles' fracture

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Hand Surgery
• Traumatology

Background:

• Colles' fractures are common wrist injuries.
• Tendon ruptures are a known complication, but rare.
• Flexor pollicis longus (FPL) rupture is exceptionally infrequent.

Observation:

• A patient presented with a Colles' fracture.
• Four weeks post-immobilization, FPL rupture and index finger flexor digitorum profundus rupture were diagnosed.
• Median nerve compression was also present.

Findings:

• Surgical decompression of the median nerve and corrective osteotomy were performed.
• No tendon repair was attempted for the ruptured tendons.
• Despite non-operative tendon management, good hand function was regained.

Implications:

• This case highlights a rare but possible complication of Colles' fractures.
• Conservative management of tendon ruptures may yield good functional outcomes.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate surgical intervention for associated nerve compression are crucial.