Tenodesis of the DIP Joint for Ruptures of the Flexor Digitorum Profundus Tendon of the Small Finger : Two Experimental Studies

Abstract

Subcutaneous rupture of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon of the small finger at the wrist joint is rare. Reports about this tendon rupture have appeared occasionally in the literature. In all of the reports, tendon suture, graft, or transfer was selected as the treatment. We performed tenodesis of the DIP joint for this lesion in two cases. The first patient was unable to flex the DIP joint of his little finger after a bowling game, and he was anxious to return to work as soon as possible after the operation. The second patient injured his little finger during a golf tournament. As he was a top amateur golf player, he also hoped to return to playing golf early. Therefore we selected tenodesis for reconstruction of the flexor tendon rupture, anticipating that the recovery period would be short. Both patients were well satisfied. In fact, the second patient was able to win victories in six golf tournaments within three months after the operation. We consider that flexor tenodesis is the treatment of choice for patients desiring an early return to daily life.