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Ciprofloxacin-Induced Extensor Tendon Rupture in the Hand: A Case Report
Matthew C DeWolf1, Lance G Warhold
1Department of Orthopaedics, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756. Matthew.C.DeWolfe@hitchcock.org.
Case:
An eighty-one-year-old man had begun taking ciprofloxacin one week prior to the sudden inability to extend the metacarpophalangeal joint of the ring finger of the dominant right hand. He presented to us three months after he initially noticed this finding.
Conclusion:
Ciprofloxacin-induced tendon rupture appears to be possible in the extensor digitorum communis tendons of the hand. Our patient was managed operatively and had a good functional outcome.
Insights
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin may cause tendon ruptures. This case report details a patient who experienced an extensor digitorum communis tendon rupture after taking ciprofloxacin.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Pharmacology
- Hand surgery
Background:
- Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are widely prescribed.
- Tendon-related adverse events have been associated with fluoroquinolones.
- Extensor digitorum communis tendon injuries can significantly impair hand function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of extensor digitorum communis tendon rupture potentially associated with ciprofloxacin use.
- To highlight the possibility of fluoroquinolone-induced tendon rupture in the hand.
Main Methods:
- A case report of an 81-year-old male patient is presented.
- The patient developed sudden inability to extend the metacarpophalangeal joint of the right ring finger.
- The onset of symptoms occurred one week after initiating ciprofloxacin therapy.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with a rupture of the extensor digitorum communis tendon.
- Surgical management was performed for the tendon rupture.
- The patient achieved a good functional outcome post-operatively.
Conclusions:
- Ciprofloxacin-induced tendon rupture is a potential complication.
- The extensor digitorum communis tendons of the hand may be affected.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention can lead to favorable functional recovery.
