Flexor Tendon

The flexor pollicis longus (FPL) is structurally and functionally quite different from the flexor tendons of the other fingers. Because the FPL generated greater force than all the other thumb tendons, FPL dysfunction might cause serious impairment in thumb movement especially during the pinches and grasp. Therefore, lacerations or avulsions of the FPL should be properly repaired with greater skill and perfection of technique. Paralysis of the anterior interosseous nerve and the absence of the FPL associated with or without aplasia of the thenar muscles should be differentiated from the FPL rupture. Beside the traumatic injuries, various problems due to flexor tendons in the thumb including congenital problems on flexor tendons are described herein.