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Flexor Tendon Problems after Volar Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures

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HAND

Abstract

Four cases of flexor tendon problems which developed after volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures are presented. All cases were associated with close contact of the screws or distal edge of the plate with the flexor tendons. Poor bone stock or multiple bone fragments allowing loosening of the plate or non-locking screws cause the hardware to irritate the flexor tendons and ultimately lead to rupture. The flexor tendons involved include the flexor carpi radialis, flexor pollicis longus and flexor digitorum superficialis, and flexor digitorum profundus to the index and long fingers.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Southwest Orthopaedic Specialists, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 8100 S. Walker, Oklahoma City, OK, 73139, USA

    Mehdi N. Adham

  2. Chicago, IL, USA

    Margaret Porembski

  3. Southwest Orthopaedic Specialists, 8100 S. Walker, Oklahoma City, OK, 73139, USA

    Christine Adham

Authors
  1. Mehdi N. Adham
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  2. Margaret Porembski
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  3. Christine Adham
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Correspondence to Mehdi N. Adham.

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Adham, M.N., Porembski, M. & Adham, C. Flexor Tendon Problems after Volar Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures. HAND 4, 406–409 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11552-009-9180-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11552-009-9180-0

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