title: Can oral levofloxacin cause of flexor digitorum profundus rupture?
abstract: Fluoroquinolones are broad-spectrum antibacterial agents. Reports of Achilles tendon rupture as a possible side effect of the quinolones have been previously presented but mechanism of the side effect of the medication is still unknown. Tendon rupture in the forearm associated with fluoroquinolone use has not been reported. We present a patient who underwent levofloxacin treatment for skin infections and subsequently developed left small finger flexor digitorum profundus rupture. We propose that this rupture may be related to the side effect of the medication. If it is, clinicians have to be aware of possible tendon ruptures in the upper extremity due to side effects of quinolones and patients have to be informed about it.
authors.affiliation: Christine M. Kleinert Institute for Hand and Micro Surgery, Louisville, KY 40202, USA. tturker@cmki.org
authors.forename: Tolga
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Turker
authors.forename: Joseph E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Kutz
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D064704:Levofloxacin; D015242:Ofloxacin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012421:Rupture / Q000139:chemically induced*; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000139:chemically induced*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D064704:Levofloxacin; D015242:Ofloxacin