title: Extensor pollicis longus rupture after distal radius fracture: results of reconstruction by transposition of the extensor indicis tendon and postoperative dynamic splinting.
abstract: Injury of the extensor pollicis longus tendon is one of the commonest extensor tendon injuries after distal radius fracture. In 2003-2005 we performed extensor indicis transfer in 31 patients with loss of function of the EPL tendon and postoperative dynamic splinting. In 25 patients, a distal radius fracture managed surgically led to the EPL rupture (wire internal fixation in 23 patients, plate internal fixation in 2 patients). In 6 patients, the cause was a distal radius fracture treated conservatively. Out of our 25 followed-up patients, 9 (36%) had a very good and 15 (60%) a good result in the Geldmacher score. We did not identify any re-rupture. In injuries of the extensor pollicis tendon, transposition of the extensor indicis tendon is a simple and uncomplicated procedure. Considerable improvement of thumb extension can be achieved through this substitution repair.
authors.affiliation: General Hospital Tulln, Tulln, Austria. m.figl@gmx.at
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Figl
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mayer
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lederer
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bogner
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Leixnering
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001860:Bone Plates; D001864:Bone Wires; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery*; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012421:Rupture; D013165:Splints; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D013709:Tendon Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000601:surgery*