Arch Hand Microsurg.  2019 Mar;24(1):63-67. 10.12790/ahm.2019.24.1.63.

Spontaneous Rupture of the Extensor Pollicis Longus Tendon in a Rhythm Gamer: A Case Report

• Yang S
• Yoon SH
• Kim SH
• Kwon SM
• Kim JP

• KMID: 2440613
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12790/ahm.2019.24.1.63

Abstract

Spontaneous rupture of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon can occur in the 3rd extensor compartment after a distal radius fracture involving Lister's tubercle, steroid injections, or rheumatoid arthritis. We report a case of spontaneous rupture of the EPL tendon in a 26-year-old male patient who played a rhythm game, which requires repetitive wrist motions to play the drums. We also provide a comprehensive literature review along with the case report. From the authors' point of view, excessive and repetitive motion of the wrist, as shown in our case, can be a potential cause of spontaneous rupture of the EPL tendon.

Keyword

Extensor pollicis longus; Spontaneous rupture; Tendon graft

MeSH Terms

Adult
Arthritis, Rheumatoid
Humans
Male
Radius Fractures
Rupture, Spontaneous*
Tendons*
Wrist

Figure

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  Fig. 1 A rhythm game which is called as GITADORA.

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  Fig. 2 Simple radiographs of the left thumb in a 26-year-old male patient. He couldn't make extension of his left thumb.

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  Fig. 3 Axial T2 magnetic resonance imaging images. (A) Note absence of the tendon in 3rd extensor compartment around wrist joint (arrow). (B) Note synovial fluid collection in 2nd extensor compartment tendon sheath (arrowheads).

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  Fig. 4 Intra-operative findings. (A) Note attrition at the ECRB (arrow) and a EPL rupture (asterisks). (B) A EPL tendon reconstruction using palmaris longus tendon graft was performed. ECRB: extensor carpi radialis brevis, ECRL: extensor carpi radialis longus, EPL: extensor pollicis longus.

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