title: Spontaneous Rupture of the Extensor Pollicis Longus Tendon due to Unusual Etiology.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The etiology of spontaneous rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon includes systemic or local steroid injections, wrist fracture, tenosynovitis, synovitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and repetitive wrist motions.
  
  
  METHODS
  We encountered a case of extensor pollicis longus tendon rupture with an unusual etiology, cow milking. In this case, transfer of the extensor indicis proprius tendon was performed successfully. At 1 year after surgery, extension of the thumb was sufficient.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It appears that patients with occupations involving repetitive motions are at a high risk of closed tendon ruptures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Trakya University Faculty of Medicine, Edirne, Turkey.
authors.forename: Süleyman
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Taş
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Trakya University Faculty of Medicine, Edirne, Turkey.
authors.forename: Serkan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Balta
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Trakya University Faculty of Medicine, Edirne, Turkey.
authors.forename: Erol
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Benlier
keywords: EPL; repetitive motion; rupture; spontaneous; tendon