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Extensor Pollicis Longus Tendon Rupture After a Pediatric Distal Radius Fracture: A Case Report and Literature Review
Harshadkumar A Patel1, Mark C Lee, Sonia Chaudhry
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Connecticut, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, Connecticut.
Case:
A 16-year-old boy underwent closed reduction and pinning of a Salter-Harris II distal radius fracture (DRF). Extensor pollicis longus (EPL) rupture occurred 6 weeks after the injury. Extensor indicis proprius transfer was performed using wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) technique. Active thumb range of motion was restored, and the patient returned to all activities, including sports, after 2 months.
Conclusion:
Although delayed attritional EPL rupture after DRF is a well-known complication in adults, this is the first reported case in a truly skeletally immature patient. Awareness of this complication prompts monitoring for prodromal signs and symptoms. The WALANT technique is feasible in selected children.

