Rupture of the Extensor Pollicis Longus Tendon in Undisplaced Colles’ Type of Fracture

Abstract

There is a higher risk that the tendon of extensor pollicis longus will rupture in undisplaced Colles' type of fracture than in those which are displaced. This difference in incidence is due to the integrity of the extensor retinaculum in undisplaced Colles' type of fracture causing the tendon to be held tight against the fracture callus in the floor of the tunnel which may result in an attrition rupture. In the displaced Colles' fracture the extensor retinaculum is torn from the bone and thus permits the tendon to escape from contact with the fracture site.

Incidence of Extensor Pollicis Longus Tendon Rupture After Nondisplaced Distal Radius Fractures

“…[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Incidence of this complication has been variably reported to be from 0.2% to 4.0%. 7,9 -11 This complication appears to occur more frequently in nondisplaced and minimally displaced distal radius fractures 4,5,8,9,11 and has been postulated to occur more commonly when the extensor retinaculum is not ruptured. 4,8,11 If this hypothesis is true, one might expect EPL rupture to occur even more frequently in nondisplaced distal radius fractures, because a fracture that did not have enough energy to cause displacement might be less likely to tear the extensor retinaculum than would a displaced fracture.…”

Late spontaneous rupture of extensor pollicis longus tendon after blunt trauma with no residual fracture

“…In case of a non-displaced fracture, the incidence of rupture is higher due to the position of the tendon in the tight third extensor compartment, under the extensor retinaculum, and over the Lister's tubercle. The tendon will be held tight against the fracture callus and may result in an attrition rupture [1]. Zvijac et al reports that attrition around Lister's tubercle results in the rupture regardless of age and predisposing factors [2].…”

Closed Extensor Indicis Proprius Tendon Rupture Presenting Mass Clinic on Dorsal Side of the Wrist

“…Other rare causes of the spontaneous rupture include ostheoarthritis of the radioulnar joint (9), use of floroquinolone group antibiotics, use of corticosteroids and together using of these two medications (10) and sportive activities. The most common ruptured extensor tendon in the wrist level is Extensor pollicis longus (11)(12)(13). Rupture of isolated extensor indicis proprius tendon is a quite rare situation.…”