Tendon transfer to restore extension of the thumb using abductor pollicis longus

20 patients with rupture or division of extensor pollicis longus (EPL) underwent tendon transfer using abductor pollicis longus (APL). All patients except one were reviewed and examined between 6 and 80 months after surgery. The subjective and objective results were satisfactory and are presented with details of the technique and its advantages and limitations.