title: Localized type Volkmann's contracture treated with tendon transfer and tension-reduced early mobilization: A case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  For localized type Volkmann's contracture, in which degeneration of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) muscle to one or two fingers and restriction of finger extension occur, dissection or excision of the affected muscle is usually recommended. However, these surgical procedures need relatively wide exposure of the muscle, because the FDP muscle is in the deep portion of the forearm.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this report, the case of a 35-year-old woman with localized type Volkmann's contracture is presented. Her left forearm had been compressed with an industrial roller 4 months earlier, and severe flexion contracture of the long finger and mild flexion contracture of the ring finger developed gradually. DIAGNOSES:: localized type Volkmann's contracture.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five months after the injury, transection of the FDP tendon to the long finger and transfer of the transected tendon to the FDP tendon to the index finger was performed after adjusting the tonus of these two tendons using a small skin incision. This procedure was followed by a tension-reduced early mobilization technique in which a tension-reduced position of the tendon suture site was maintained by taping the long finger to the volar side of the index finger, and then immediate active range of motion (ROM) exercise was started.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Within 9 weeks after surgery, full ROM had been regained.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Using the treatment procedure presented in this case report, a good clinical result was obtained in a minimally invasive manner.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa, Japan.
authors.forename: Yoshio
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kaji
authors.forename: Osamu
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Nakamura
authors.forename: Konosuke
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yamaguchi
authors.forename: Sachiko
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tobiume
authors.forename: Tetsuji
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yamamoto
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004434:Early Ambulation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D054061:Ischemic Contracture / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013709:Tendon Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D013710:Tendons / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome