Closed Traumatic Avulsion of Both Flexor Digitorum Tendons: An Addition to the Leddy and Packer Classification and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Objective We encountered the case of a patient who presented with an avulsion of both flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) and flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendons from their respective insertion in the ring finger. We aim to discuss the novel treatment of this injury pattern in the context of all previously encountered cases in the literature. Materials and Methods We examined the case of our patient with avulsion of both flexor tendons in the same finger and discuss the novel method of treatment in our case. Additionally, we performed a literature review of all previous reported cases and discuss the treatment modalities and outcomes associated with each. Results We have shown a novel and successful treatment technique for avulsion of both the FDP and FDS tendons. We identified twelve other cases of this injury pattern and have compared all outcomes documented. Conclusion Closed tendon avulsion of both flexor tendons in the same finger is rare. We described a case and additionally propose a modification to the flexor tendon avulsion classification to incorporate this injury pattern and aid its management.