Avulsion of the Profundus Tendon Insertion in Football Players

Abstract

Four patients have been treated recently for profundus digitorum tendon avulsion. In three seen early surgical reattachment gave an excellent result. The fourth was seen four months after injury and no reattachment was possible. Fusion of the distal interphalangeal joint gave a satisfactory but suboptimal result. Profundus tendon avulsion is an uncommon injury that is occurring with an increased incidence in football players. The ring finger is most often involved because it cannot be extended independently. Team physicians are generally unaware of this injury and therefore diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Such delays prevent optimum return of function.