Flexor Carpi Radialis Brevis Resection for Treatment of a Distal Radius Fracture: A Case Report

Abstract

The flexor carpi radialis brevis (FCRB) is an anomalous muscle of the forearm that is only present in 3.5 to 8.6% of the population. In the case of volar plating of distal radius fractures, the FCRB inhibits proper fracture exposure and thus hinders proper reduction. A 78-year-old female presented with right distal radius fracture which necessitated internal fixation. Following mobilization and retraction of the flexor carpi radialis tendon, an anomalous muscle belly was identified as the FCRB. With continued difficulty in exposure and fracture site reduction, resection of the FCRB was performed. The patient was able to return to her activities of daily living without pain and demonstrated no appreciable functional deficit. This case report demonstrates a distal radius fracture where FCRB resection was used, resulting in no detrimental clinical outcomes.

Surgical Exposure Technique for Volar Locking Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures in Patients with Flexor Carpi Radialis Brevis Muscle Anomaly

“…Laugharne and Power stated that the FCRB made the exposure of the distal radius more difficult, and that distal release was necessary to visualize the fracture site [ 14 ]. Werntz et al showed that the FCRB was resected because its retraction to expose and reduce the fracture site was difficult [ 15 ].…”