Hand surgery : an international journal devoted to hand and upper limb surgery and related research : journal of the Asia-Pacific Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand
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Case Reports
Delayed repair of spontaneous rupture of both the extensor pollicis longus and brevis: a case report.
A 73-year-old female suffered spontaneous rupture of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) tendons, for which she presented for treatment three to four weeks later. At that time there was no active metacarpophalangeal (MCP) or interphalangeal (IP) extension, leading to severe functional impairment of her hand. ⋯ After a three-month period of follow-up, the thumb motion was restored and the patient was able to resume all activities of daily living. Although concomitant spontaneous rupture of both the EPL and the EPB is rare, transfer of the EIP and the AAPL tendons, respectively, seems to be the treatment of choice for anatomic reconstruction of such injuries.
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To report the epidemiology, mechanism, anatomical location, distribution, and severity of open extensor tendon injuries in the digits, hand, and forearm as well as the frequency of associated injuries to surrounding bone and soft tissue. ⋯ The extensor mechanism is anatomically complex, and open injuries to the dorsum of the hand, wrist, and forearm, especially of crushing nature and those inflicted by saws, must be thoroughly evaluated. Associated injuries should be ruled out in order to customize surgical treatment and optimize outcome.