Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 22, 2025
09:34
Structured Motor Rehabilitation After Selective Nerve Transfers
Published on: August 15, 2019
22.7K
Extensor indicis transfer improves function in patients after rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon
P H C Stirling1, Nathan Ng2, A D Duckworth3
1Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline, Whitefield Rd, Dunfermline KY12 0SU, United Kingdom; Fife Virtual Hand Clinic, United Kingdom.
Hand Surgery & Rehabilitation
|January 5, 2021
Summary
Extensor indicis proprius (EIP) transfer significantly improves patient function and quality of life after extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon rupture, with high satisfaction and few complications.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Hand Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Closed rupture of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon can impair hand function.
- Extensor indicis proprius (EIP) transfer is a surgical option for EPL tendon rupture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate functional outcomes after EIP transfer for EPL rupture.
- To assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and patient satisfaction post-surgery.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study (Level III evidence) of 12 patients undergoing EIP transfer.
- Pre- and one-year postoperative assessment using QuickDASH and EQ-5D-5L scores.
- Patient satisfaction and complication rates were recorded.
Main Results:
- Significant improvement in mean QuickDASH scores (29.7 to 15.2, p=0.05).
- Significant improvement in median EQ-5D-5L scores (0.82 to 0.93, p<0.05).
- High patient satisfaction (11/12) and no reported complications.
Conclusions:
- EIP transfer effectively restores upper-limb function and improves HRQoL in patients with EPL tendon rupture.
- The procedure demonstrates a favorable safety profile with high patient satisfaction.
