Spontaneous Rupture of the Extensor Pollicis Longus Tendon due to Unusual Etiology

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Hand surgery
• Tendon injuries

Background:

• Spontaneous extensor pollicis longus tendon rupture has multiple known causes.
• Risk factors include steroid injections, fractures, inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, and repetitive wrist motions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report an unusual case of extensor pollicis longus tendon rupture.
• To highlight cow milking as a potential occupational etiology.
• To demonstrate the efficacy of extensor indicis proprius tendon transfer for this condition.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a patient with extensor pollicis longus tendon rupture.
• Surgical intervention involved extensor indicis proprius tendon transfer.
• Postoperative assessment of thumb extension function.

Main Results:

• Successful surgical repair of the extensor pollicis longus tendon rupture.
• The patient achieved sufficient thumb extension at 1 year post-surgery.
• Cow milking identified as an unusual cause linked to repetitive motion.

Conclusions:

• Occupational activities involving repetitive wrist motions pose a significant risk for closed tendon ruptures.
• Tendon transfer is an effective treatment for extensor pollicis longus tendon rupture.
• Early recognition of occupational risks is crucial for prevention.