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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
Murine Flexor Tendon Injury and Repair Surgery
Published on: September 19, 2016
Flexor pollicis longus tendon injuries in children
1Hand Unit, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
Insights
Thumb flexor pollicis longus (FPL) injuries in children are rare. Primary suture and controlled mobilization of these injuries yield good to excellent results, with functional pinch grip recovery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Hand Surgery
- Traumatology
Background:
- Tendon injuries in children, particularly to the thumb, are infrequent.
- The flexor pollicis longus (FPL) is crucial for thumb function.
- Optimal management strategies for pediatric FPL injuries require clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of primary surgical repair for isolated complete flexor pollicis longus (FPL) injuries in children.
- To assess the efficacy of controlled mobilization following FPL tendon repair in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of nine pediatric patients with isolated complete FPL injuries treated between 1985 and 1992.
- Surgical intervention involved primary tendon suture.
- Postoperative management included controlled mobilization.
Main Results:
- Seven out of nine children achieved good or excellent outcomes according to Buck-Gramcko criteria.
- Pinch grip strength post-repair was comparable to the uninjured contralateral hand.
- One case of sepsis was noted; no instances of tendon re-rupture occurred.
Conclusions:
- Primary suture and early controlled mobilization are effective treatments for pediatric flexor pollicis longus (FPL) injuries.
- This approach leads to satisfactory functional recovery and good pinch grip in children.
- Pediatric FPL injuries, though uncommon, can be successfully managed with timely surgical intervention.
Abstract:
Tendon injuries to the thumb are uncommon in children. Nine children (mean age 6.1 years) with isolated complete injuries to the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) were treated with primary suture and controlled mobilisation at a major referral centre between 1985 and 1992. Five injuries occurred in zone II, two in zone III and two in zone V. One child developed sepsis and there were no cases of tendon rupture. Good or excellent results (Buck-Gramcko criteria) were achieved in seven of the nine children. Pinch grip after repair was similar to the non-injured hand. Primary repair and early controlled mobilisation of FPL leads to satisfactory results in children.
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