CC BY 4.0 · Arch Plast Surg 2023; 50(05): 492-495
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1772756
Hand/Peripheral Nerve
Case Report

Flexor Tendon Rupture Secondary to Gout

1   Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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1   Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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1   Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
› Author Affiliations

Funding K.C.C. receives funding from the National Institutes of Health, book royalties from Wolters Kluwer and Elsevier, and a research grant from Sonex to study carpal tunnel outcomes.

Abstract

Extra-articular deposition of monosodium urate crystals is a widely recognized manifestation of gout. However, gouty infiltration of flexor tendons in the hand resulting in tendon rupture is exceedingly rare. This case report highlights a patient with gouty infiltration of flexor tendons in the right middle finger resulting in rupture of both the flexor digitorum profundus and flexor digitorum superficialis. Given the extent of gouty infiltration and need for pulley reconstruction, the patient was treated with two-stage flexor tendon reconstruction. Febuxostat was prescribed preoperatively to limit further deposition of monosodium urate crystals and continued postoperatively to maximize the potential for long-lasting results. Prednisone was prescribed between the first- and second-stage operations to prevent a gout flare while the silicone rod was in place. In summary, tendon rupture secondary to gouty infiltration is the most likely diagnosis in patients with a history of gout presenting with tendon insufficiency.

Authors' Contributions

J.V.L. and A.L.S. contributed to the study by acquiring data, drafting the article, reviewing the final draft, and ensuring all presented information is accurate. K.C.C. contributed to the study by designing the paper and analyzing data, revising the draft critically for content, approving the final version to be published, and ensuring all presented information is accurate.


Patient Consent

Informed patient consent was obtained for this study.




Publication History

Received: 08 March 2023

Accepted: 25 July 2023

Article published online:
05 October 2023

© 2023. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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