Long-Term Outcomes After Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Subsheath Reconstruction With Extensor Retinaculum

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Hand and Wrist Surgery
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) subluxation is a condition affecting wrist function.
• Nonoperative management is often the first line of treatment.
• Surgical intervention may be necessary for persistent or severe cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term outcomes and complication rates of operative treatment for extensor carpi ulnaris subluxation.
• To assess patient satisfaction following surgical reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of fifteen patients underwent extensor carpi ulnaris subsheath reconstruction.
• Reconstruction utilized the extensor retinaculum as a sling.
• Patients had a median of 5.9 weeks of prior nonoperative treatment.

Main Results:

• Approximately one-third of patients experienced a complication or required reoperation.
• At a median follow-up of 8 years, many patients reported residual symptoms.
• Despite residual symptoms, the majority of patients expressed overall satisfaction with the surgical outcome.

Conclusions:

• Sling reconstruction for extensor carpi ulnaris subluxation is associated with a notable complication rate.
• Long-term patient satisfaction is generally high, even with persistent symptoms.
• Operative management should be considered for ECU subluxation, with careful patient counseling regarding potential outcomes.