Tendon ruptures in the hand with particular reference to attrition ruptures in the carpal tunnel

The mechanisms of tendon rupture in the hand are reviewed. Attrition ruptures of tendons in the carpal tunnel, other than those due to rheumatoid arthritis, are rare. A case is reported where Kienböck's avascular necrosis of the lunate caused rupture of flexor policis longus. This is the second case reported in the literature and serves as a model of attrition rupture.