Cysticercosis of the flexor digitorum profundus muscle producing flexion deformity of the fingers

Abstract

Selective flexion deformity of the middle and ring fingers resembling a mild type of Volkmann's contracture resulted from Cysticercus cellulosa infection within the deep flexor muscle of the forearm in a middle-aged woman. Excision of the fibrotic segment of the muscle and tenodesis of all the flexor profundus tendons restored normal range of motion to these fingers. Vascular compromise in addition to the inflammatory response to the infection were considered causes for the deformity. There is no previous report of this kind in the literature.