Extensor carpi radialis longus avulsion: a literature review and case report

Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus (ECRL) avulsion is a rare injury which follows resisted wrist hyperflexion. Treatment of this condition with open reduction and internal fixation is not previously described in the literature, and treatment with plaster immobilisation or k-wire fixation requires a prolonged period of immobilisation. We believe that open reduction and internal fixation of these fractures with early mobilisation will result in the best possible wrist function. We describe a sign to raise the index of suspicion for this injury: a palpable bone lump on the dorsum of the hand in the presence of wrist extensor pain or weakness after wrist hyperflexion injury is a sign of wrist extensor avulsion.