The outcome of Palmaris Longus tendon grafting for treatment of isolated neglected Flexor digitorum profundus injuries

Background: Early primary tendon repair is the standard treatment for flexor tendon lacerations. However, in neglected cases or tendon rupture, tendon grafting is the treatment of choice. Palmaris longus tendon is the preferred source for tendon grafting by many surgeons.Aim: Discussion of the use of palmaris longus tendon grafting for treatment of isolated neglected flexor digitorum profundus injuries.Patients and methods: This retrospective study included nine patients presented with isolated neglected flexor digitorum profundus injuries to Mansoura University, Egypt, from October 2017 to October 2023. All patients underwent tendon grafting. Patients' evaluation for the outcome of surgery is reported regarding recurrence rate and functional outcomes.Results: The duration of follow up was 12.4 ± 4.3 months with range between 6 and 20 months. The range of motion at (MCP) was 71.7 ± 5.6 with range between 60 and 80. The range of movement at PIP was 62.2 ± 9.7 with rage between 50 and 80. The range of motion at DIP was 30.6 ± 9.8 with range between 15 and 45. The total active movement (TAM) was 164.4 ± 22 with range between 125 and 195. The total active movement percent was 63.3% ± 8.3 % with range between 48 and 75%.Conclusion: In cases where isolated, ignored flexor digitorum profundus injuries that were treated with physiotherapy and a palmaris longus tendon graft, the results were outstanding.