[Treatment of subcutaneous rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon]

The authors present the results of 13 cases operated for subcutaneous rupture of the extensor pollicis longus. Transferral of the extensor indicis proprius was employed in 12 cases and tenodesis involving the extensor pollicis brevis was performed in 1. Results are best when abduction and retropulsion of the thumb are restored. Testing of the correct tension of the transferral procedure is emphasized.