A loop suture for dynamic tendon transfer in the repair of chronic or acute extensor pollicis longus ruptures

Ruptures of extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon may need a tendon transfer for repair, especially in chronic ruptures. We describe a novel transfer technique using a loop-tendon suture for dynamic transfer of extensor pollicis brevis to EPL. We performed an end-to-side transfixing-loop self-locking suture preserving the extensor pollicis brevis, which acts as a motor unit for the distal end of the repaired tendon. Contraindications would mainly be simultaneous rupture of EPL and brevis tendons. No complications were observed, except for mild metacarpal-phalangeal stiffness in chronic ruptures. An early rehabilitation program may be started when no other associated injuries exist.