Bilateral FCR Tendon Injury Associated with Osteoarthritis of the STT Joint.

Subcutaneous flexor carpi radialis (FCR) tendon ruptures secondary to osteoarthritis of the scapho-trapezio-trapezoidal (STT) joint are very rare. A 53-year-old female suffered a subcutaneous FCR tendon rupture after noticing pain in her right wrist. Because of continuing pain and decreasing strength in her right hand, surgery of the STT joint arthrodesis and an FCR tendon reconstruction with free tendon graft was performed. Her left wrist gradually showed the same symptoms 9 years later. The STT fusion for her left wrist was then performed. The FCR tendon was partially worn out on the spur of the trapezial ridge as well. Only 10 cases of FCR tendon ruptures have been reported due to definite STT osteoarthritis in six English papers. We believe STT fusion should be done without hesitation before tendon rupture occurs, and when motion pain around the STT joint and decreasing grip strength exists. However, it is controversial whether the FCR tendon reconstruction should be done in addition to STT fusion. © Thieme Medical Publishers.