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Isolated traumatic denervation of the extensor pollicis longus
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA, USA.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|July 1, 1997
Summary
A dog bite caused isolated denervation of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) in a young boy, a previously unreported injury. Nonoperative management led to no significant functional deficits.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Neurology
- Traumatology
Background:
- Isolated denervation of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) is a rare clinical finding.
- Traumatic injuries, such as dog bites, can lead to peripheral nerve damage.
Observation:
- A 13-year-old boy presented with multiple left forearm lacerations after a dog bite.
- Clinical examination revealed no motor response in the EPL muscle.
- Other neurological and physical examination findings were normal.
Findings:
- Electromyography (EMG) confirmed complete, isolated denervation specifically of the EPL muscle.
- The injury pattern suggests a localized nerve injury affecting only the EPL.
Implications:
- This case highlights the possibility of isolated EPL denervation following penetrating trauma.
- Nonoperative management may be effective for isolated EPL denervation without significant functional loss.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and long-term outcomes of such injuries.