Case report: pseudotendon formation after a type III flexor digitorum profundus avulsion.

BACKGROUND: Avulsion of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon is a common injury to the hand that virtually always requires surgical repair for restoration of normal finger function. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report a case of a Type III flexor digitorum profundus tendon avulsion in which the patient refused surgery yet attained nearly full active ROM and an excellent functional result via the formation of a pseudotendon, as observed on MRI obtained 2.5 years after the initial injury. LITERATURE REVIEW: There are no reported cases of restoration of normal finger function after pseudotendon formation in a flexor digitorum profundus tendon avulsion injury. PURPOSES AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This case shows the potential for pseudotendon to not only form but have adequate tensile strength to restore function in certain types of flexor tendon injuries.