Use of the Volar Plate of the Distal Interphalangeal Joint as a Distally Based Flap in Flexor Tendon Surgery

Abstract

The usual treatment for flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) avulsions as well as FDP lacerations in the distal part of zone I is tendon reinsertion into bone. Although there are several different techniques of FDP tendon reinsertion into bone, they are generally complex and have a weak tensile strength. A technique for treating these injuries is to use the volar plate of the distal interphalangeal joint as a distally based flap for tendon repair. The current communication discusses the technique and its potential complications. Initial clinical experience is encouraging and the volar plate flap technique may take its place in flexor tendon surgery.

Keywords: Hand; flexor tendon; technique; volar plate.