[Improvement of proximal interphalangeal flexion of the 5th finger in wounds or avulsions of the flexor profundus tendon].

The flexor superficialis of the little finger alone is frequently unable to provide good flexion of the PIP joint. This was verified in half of the hands tested in 45 normal volunteers. These data stress the mandatory repair of the flexor profundus tendon in emergency situations. In secondary reconstruction the authors advocate a side-to-side anastomosis between the sublimis and profundus tendons in order to reinforce the flexion of the PIP joint.