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Extensor Pollicis Longus Rupture after Mini TightRope Suspensionplasty
Mani Seetharaman1, Mark A Vitale1, Kapil Desai2
1ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education, ONS, PC, Greenwich, Connecticut.
Journal of Wrist Surgery
|April 23, 2016
Summary
A rare extensor pollicis longus rupture occurred after thumb CMC arthritis surgery using the Mini TightRope. This complication was successfully treated with a tendon transfer, highlighting potential risks of this surgical approach.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Hand Surgery
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Background:
- First carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthritis is commonly treated surgically.
- Trapeziectomy with suspensionplasty is a frequent procedure.
- The Mini TightRope is a newer device for suspensionplasty with limited safety data.
Observation:
- A case of extensor pollicis longus (EPL) rupture is presented.
- This complication followed trapeziectomy and Mini TightRope suspensionplasty for CMC arthritis.
- The patient underwent an extensor indicis proprius (EIP) to EPL tendon transfer for repair.
Findings:
- Extensor tendon injury from orthopedic hardware is documented.
- Mini TightRope guidelines advise caution to avoid EPL tendon irritation.
- FiberWire sutures may cause soft tissue reactions.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential complication of the Mini TightRope apparatus.
- Awareness of EPL rupture risk is crucial for surgeons.
- Further investigation into the safety and adverse events of this device is warranted.
