Multiple flexor tendon pulley ruptures in a division 1 collegiate football player

Abstract

Injuries to the hand and digits are common in football players. To our knowledge, there have been no reports on multiple flexor pulley ruptures in football players treated non-operatively through splinting and taping techniques. A 22-year old collegiate defensive lineman sustained an injury resulting in complete disruption of the annular 2, 3, 4, and cruciate 1 and 2 pulleys. The patient was successfully treated with serial custom splints for 12 weeks. Our splinting and taping techniques and timing of these have not been previously described. This case illustrates a successful treatment option in football players with multiple flexor pulley ruptures.