LATE RUPTURE OF A FLEXOR TENDON AFTER ELECTRICAL INJURY - TENDON LOCALIZATION USING MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING - A CASE-REPORT

Rupture of a flexor tendon in the nonrheumatoid population is rare, Lo calizing the level of the tendon rupture can be a difficult task. We d escribe an individual who presented with the sudden inability to flex the index finger of the hand, which had been subjected to a severe ele ctrical injury, Physical exam demonstrated lack of index finger flexio n at the distal joint, The patient denied any pain or history of recen t trauma. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) successfully l ocated the proximal and distal ends of the ruptured flexor digitorum p rofundus tendon in the forearm, MRI allows for accurate preoperative a ssessment of tendon position and degree of retraction, thereby facilit ating surgical planning and approach. Accurate localization of tendon pathology preoperatively minimizes unnecessary dissection, shortens th e operative procedure, and clarifies operative planning.