Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 21, 2026
09:13
Polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE as a Suture Material in Tendon Surgery
Published on: October 6, 2022
3.3K
Spontaneous Rupture of the Extensor Pollicis Longus Tendon: A Systematic Review
Rachel C Lister1,2, Henry C Bradford, Alex Joo1
1University of Massachusetts, Worcester, USA.
Hand (New York, N.Y.)
|June 3, 2023
Summary
Spontaneous extensor pollicis longus (EPL) rupture can occur due to various factors beyond rheumatoid arthritis or fractures. Early surgical release is recommended for EPL tenosynovitis to prevent tendon rupture.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Hand Surgery
- Musculoskeletal Research
Background:
- Extensor pollicis longus (EPL) rupture and third dorsal compartment tenosynovitis are commonly linked to rheumatoid arthritis or distal radius fractures.
- However, spontaneous EPL rupture may result from various other contributing factors not typically associated with these conditions.
Conclusions:
- The extensor pollicis longus tendon exhibits inherent fragility.
- Various factors can predispose individuals to spontaneous EPL rupture or tenosynovitis.
- Early surgical release of the EPL tendon is advisable in cases of third dorsal compartment tenosynovitis to prevent rupture.
Related Concept Videos
01:08Nucleotide Excision Repair
Overview
01:02Long-patch Base Excision Repair
Since the discovery of the two BER pathways, there has been a debate about how a cell chooses one pathway over the other and the factors determining this selection. Numerous in vitro experiments have pointed out multiple determinants for the sub-pathway selection. These are:
01:38Nucleotide Excision Repair
DNA Distortion and Damage
Cells are regularly exposed to mutagens—factors in the environment that can damage DNA and generate mutations. UV radiation is one of the most common mutagens and is estimated to introduce a significant number of changes in DNA. These include bends or kinks in the structure, which can block DNA replication or transcription. If these errors are not fixed, the damage can cause mutations, which in turn can result in cancer or disease depending on which sequences are...
Cells are regularly exposed to mutagens—factors in the environment that can damage DNA and generate mutations. UV radiation is one of the most common mutagens and is estimated to introduce a significant number of changes in DNA. These include bends or kinks in the structure, which can block DNA replication or transcription. If these errors are not fixed, the damage can cause mutations, which in turn can result in cancer or disease depending on which sequences are...
02:04Fixing Double-strand Breaks
The double-stranded structure of DNA has two major advantages. First, it serves as a safe repository of genetic information where one strand serves as the back-up in case the other strand is damaged. Second, the double-helical structure can be wrapped around proteins called histones to form nucleosomes, which can then be tightly wound to form chromosomes. This way, DNA chains up to 2 inches long can be contained within microscopic structures in a cell. A double-stranded break not only damages...
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Treatment for a fracture is based on the type of break, the bone affected, and the patient's age.
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
01:24Healing II: Complications
Complications during healing arise when tissue repair is altered by local or systemic factors. These changes involve abnormal collagen deposition, altered biomechanics, and reduced vascular supply, impairing restoration of normal structure and function.Loss of FunctionScar tissue differs significantly from the original tissue it replaces. In the skin, fibrosis lacks adnexal structures such as hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands. Their absence reduces tactile sensitivity, impairs...