CASE REPORT Flexor pollicis longus reconstruction using the Bdemi-tendon^ technique A. F. Egan 1 & E. C. Francis 1 & P. J. Regan 1 Received: 8 September 2016 /Accepted: 29 December 2016 /Published online: 16 January 2017 # Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2017 Abstract We report the case of a delayed flexor pollicis longus tendon rupture post distal radius fracture and its reconstruction using the Bdemi-tendon^ technique. This technique has been well described in relation to delayed closed flexor digitorum profundus injuries as a method to facilitate primary repair. In this instance, it is a novel application of the technique which, to date, has not been described as a method of primary tennorrhaphy for a closed rupture of the flexor pollicis longus tendon. Level of Evidence: Level V, therapeutic study. Keywords Flexor pollicis longus (FPL) . Delayed tendon rupture . Distal radius fracture . Tendon repair/ reconstruction . Demi-tendon Introduction The ideal treatment of a ruptured flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon in any anatomical zone is by primary tennorrhaphy; however, this is not always possible especially in a delayed presentation. The importance of the thumb in hand function cannot be overestimated in contrast to flexor tennorrhaphy in the fingers; there are few papers that have dealt with primary FPL tendon repair [1]. Elliot has contributed significantly to the literature in this area [3], with Sirotakova achieving lower mechanical rupture rates [2] and with Ragoowansi describing the novel Bdemi-tendon^ technique to allow primary tendon repair in fingers. We seek to further add to the literature by describing the first case of employing the Elliot Bdemi- tendon^ technique in the thumb to innovatively facilitate pri- mary FPL repair. Case report A 32-year-old right hand dominant plumber, presented to our department with history of inability to flex at his inter- phalangeal joint of his right thumb for 5 days. This began while at work and the patient noted hearing a Bsnap^. He had an injury to that hand 13 years previously, when he sustained a distal radius fracture which was treated by ma- nipulation under anaesthesia and casting. Clinically, he had an attrition injury to his FPL tendon, and plain film radi- ography showed his previously healed fracture site with an associated bony spur. * A. F. Egan aileen.f.egan@gmail.com 1 Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Galway University Hospitals, Galway, Ireland Eur J Plast Surg (2017) 40:161–164 DOI 10.1007/s00238-016-1273-8