Closed extensor tendon rupture caused by Kienböck disease: a case report

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Rheumatology
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Kienböck disease is a rare condition characterized by avascular necrosis of the lunate bone.
• This condition can result in carpal bone dislocation and chronic pain.
• It is an uncommon cause of closed tendon rupture in the hand.

Observation:

• A case study of an elderly female patient with undiagnosed Kienböck disease is presented.
• The patient experienced a total rupture of the second extensor digitorum communis and extensor indicis proprius tendons.
• The underlying cause of the tendon rupture was attributed to Kienböck disease.

Findings:

• Avascular necrosis of the lunate bone can predispose to adjacent tendon pathology.
• Undiagnosed Kienböck disease may manifest with severe orthopedic complications, such as tendon rupture.
• This case underscores the importance of considering Kienböck disease in patients with unexplained tendon injuries.

Implications:

• Early diagnosis and management of Kienböck disease are crucial to prevent severe functional deficits.
• This case expands the known clinical spectrum of Kienböck disease complications.
• Awareness of this association may improve diagnostic accuracy in similar orthopedic presentations.