Delayed rupture of the flexor pollicis longus tendon after inappropriate placement of the π plate on the volar surface of the distal radius

The pi plate (Synthes Ltd, Paoli, PA) was designed to fit the unique contour of the dorsal aspect of the distal radius. Complications of pi plate fixation of the dorsal distal radius have been previously reported to include both extensor tenosynovitis and delayed extensor tendon rupture. We report a case of rupture of the flexor pollicis longus tendon associated with inappropriate placement of the pi plate on the volar surface of the distal radius. (J Hand Surg 1999;24A:1279-1280. Copyright (C) 1999 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.).