ULNAR NERVE COMPRESSION FOLLOWING FLEXOR DIGITORUM SUPERFICIALIS TENDON TRANSFERS AROUND THE ULNAR BORDER OF THE FOREARM TO RESTORE DIGITALEXTENSION - CASE-REPORT

This case report describes a complication that occurred following long and ring finger flexor digitorum superficialis tendon transfers route d around the ulnar border of the forearm to restore digital extension. An ulnar mononeuropathy developed in the early postoperative period t hat was characterized by decreased ring and small finger sensation and interosseous muscle weakness. Operative exploration demonstrated extr insic compression of the ulnar nerve by the long and ring finger flexo r digitorum superficialis tendons. When superficialis tendon transfers are chosen to restore digital extension, passage around the radial si de of the forearm or through the interosseous space are recommended to avoid this potential complication. Copyright (C) 1998 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.