Linburg-Comstock variation: MRI findings in a traumatic injury.

Andrew V Gomez, Katherine J Kim, Brian T Leek, Kenneth Vitale, Brady K Huang

Abstract readCase Reports

In one paragraph

Article in Skeletal radiology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Andrew V GomezDepartment of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, USA. Avg007@health.ucsd.edu.

Katherine J KimDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego, USA.

Brian T LeekDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego, USA.

Kenneth VitaleDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego, USA.

Brady K HuangDepartment of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, USA.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Functional anatomic variants present a diagnostic challenge in the evaluation of hand pain. The Linburg-Comstock variation (LCV) is a connection between the flexor pollicis longus and the index and/or middle finger flexor digitorum profundus tendons. This variant connection can cause pain, termed "Linburg-Comstock syndrome," particularly in patients who perform repetitive hand-related activities such as musicians and manual laborers. Surgical correction of LCV relieves pain and facilitates enhanced precision, ease, and dexterity when gripping items. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characterization prior to repair can reduce operative time and improve cosmesis. However, studies have not yet characterized the MRI findings in traumatic injuries to the LCV. We report a case of a 49-year-old woman with bilateral LCV who suffered an injury to the left wrist resulting in a partial tear of the LCV tendon. We discuss the MRI findings and how post-contrast imaging increased the conspicuity of the injured tendon. Surgical excision of the LCV led to an improvement in symptoms, and this case highlights the importance of recognizing LCV as a pain generator.

Indexed as

Magnetic Resonance ImagingTendon InjuriesWrist InjuriesFemaleHumansMiddle AgedHand and wrist painLinburg-Comstock variationTendon injury

Identifiers

PMID41460481

DOI10.1007/s00256-025-05094-y

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.