Posttraumatic recurrent subluxation of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon

Isolated posttraumatic subluxation of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon at the wrist has received scant attention in the literature. Five patients with this condition were seen during a 21-month period. All had chronic subluxation resulting from forearm hypersupination injury sustained during an athletic activity. Surgical treatment was indicated for three patients, and each obtained a satisfactory result. The salient pathologic feature appears to be a disruption of the ulnar-restraining septum of the sixth dorsal compartment of the wrist. Surgical treatment by reconstruction of this structure appears to be reliable and beneficial.