Flexor tendon avulsion and PIP joint fracture-dislocation in a 17-year-old football player: A case report

TL;DR

A 17-year-old football player suffered a rare hand injury involving tendon and joint damage, which was successfully treated with surgery and rehabilitation.

Contribution

This case report highlights a rare injury pattern in athletes and emphasizes the importance of early surgical intervention and rehabilitation.

Findings

The injury involved FDS avulsion and PIP joint fracture-dislocation with intact FDP.

Successful recovery was achieved through surgery and an aggressive rehabilitation protocol.

The literature shows limited documentation of similar cases, stressing the need for prompt recognition and treatment.

Abstract

We present a rare case of flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) avulsion and dorsal fracture-dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint with an intact flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) in a 17-year-old high school football player. This unusual injury pattern, sustained during a sports collision, required prompt surgical intervention to restore tendon continuity and joint congruity. Early rehabilitation and an aggressive return-to-sport protocol yielded a successful outcome, with full functional recovery. A literature review reveals limited documentation of similar cases, underscoring the clinical importance of early recognition and operative management in athletes.

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