Pyogenic Extensor Tenosynovitis of the Wrist-A Cause of Spontaneous Extensor Tendon Rupture: A Report of 2 Cases

We present 2 cases of spontaneous extensor tendon rupture in the setting of pyogenic extensor tenosynovitis of the wrist caused by penetrating wounds-a cat bite and injection drug use in patients 1 and 2, respectively. Patient 1 underwent reconstruction of the extensor digitorum communis tendons with palmaris longus autograft. Patient 2 declined surgical reconstruction.

These cases highlight a rare but severe complication of dorsal hand/wrist infection. Early surgical intervention should be considered to prevent this complication, which may have permanent functional consequences and requires complex reconstructive and rehabilitative efforts.