Rupture of the Extensor Pollicis Longus Tendon with Distal Radius Fracture

Abstract

Ten cases of rupture of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon have been encountered between April 2004 and March 2010. Seven cases were fixed with a volar locking plate, six underwent surgical tendon transfer, and four received conservative therapy.
We studied the fracture type, the interval from fracture until rupture of the EPL tendon, and the clinical outcome.
Dislocation was within 2 mm in six cases and exceeded 2 mm in four. Outcome was considered excellent in three cases and good in three by the Riddell classification. In six weeks, three cases showed dislocation within 2 mm and three exceeding 2 mm.
Our experience suggests that we should have the compartment open during surgery and we should reconstruct the sliding floor in cases with a dorsal roof fragment.