European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Distal radius fractures are the most common fractures occuring in upper extremity and can be usually treated with volar locking plate fixation. In 1.8% to 12% cases following the mentioned procedure rupture of flexor pollicis longus tendon is an identified problem for functional outcome. These ruptures can be caused by fracture malunion or plate prominence or poor plate positioning. To prevent this ruptures of flexor pollicis longus tendon its movement on distal radius has been evaluated. Several studies using longitudinal ultrasonography have found a relation between position of volar plate and movement of FPL (flexor pollicis longus tendon) at distal radius following volar locking plate fixation .These studies have found that flexor pollicis longus tendon runs longitudinally and also shifts dorsally towards volar plate. Few studies evaluated transverse ultrasonographic displacement of FPL in relation to varied wrist and finger movements, this would offer a more detailed understanding of FPL orientation at distal radius.Therefore in the  present study we performed a quantitative analysis with transverse ultrasonography of  displacement and location of FPL  on distal radius at varied wrist and finger movements in healthy individuals. We hope this study could help further knowledge of FPL kinematics and moreover could help to  suggest implant design, plate profile, and positioning of implant in the distal radius fractures  helping to prevent rupture of FPL and to develop a rehabilitation protocol for finger and wrist movements.