Two Cases of Delayed Flexor Tendon Rupture Decades After Reconstruction

Two patients are presented with late-term ruptures of their flexor tendon grafts 10 and 40 years, respectively, after reconstruction. Both occurred from low-energy mechanisms. Their ruptures were intratendinous and not at the proximal or distal insertions. Electron microscopy demonstrated degeneration and increased matrix deposition. Immunohistology showed viable tenocytes, but no clear vascular organization to the disrupted grafts. Even after clinically successful flexor tendon autograft, tendons may still be at risk of degeneration and rupture a decade or more after reconstruction.