Arrosion of flexor tendons after palmar plate osteosynthesis of the distal radius: Three case reports

Indication of palmar plate osteosynthesis of the distal radius has steadily broadened over recent years. The reason for this has been the introduction of angle stable implants. In addition, advantages were attributed to the palmar plate over the dorsal plate position on the distal radius through the covering of the M. pronator quadratus as a means of preventing the occurrence of arrosion of the tendon. Over a period of 12 months we treated 3 patients with varying degrees of flexor tendon rupture after palmar plate osteosynthesis, indicating that the incidence of flexor tendon arrosion occurring through palmar plate osteosynthesis is possibly greater than previously assumed.