A rare complication of scaphoid nonunion: Multiple flexor tendon lesions. A case report and review of literature

Abstract

This case report describes a patient who presented with a complete rupture of the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon and partial rupture of the flexor digitorum profundus of the index finger, secondary to scaphoid nonunion. This is a rare, late complication that deserves to be described because of the potential diagnostic confusion with anterior interosseous nerve palsy. No case has been reported since 1999 in the literature. The mechanism was an attrition rupture due to sharp osteophytes. The scaphoid osteophytes were removed and the FPL was repaired by tendon transfer. The results were satisfactory at the last follow-up.