Postfracture extensor pollicis longus tenosynovitis and tendon rupture: a scientific study and personal series.

Rupture of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon after a distal radius fracture is an uncommon event; the incidence is 3%,according to a review of treatment of 200 consecutive patients with Colles fractures. Diagnosis is based on persistent dorsal wrist pain and a positive retroflexion sign. Recommended treatments in the prerupture setting include a third dorsal compartment release with or without an extensor retinacular patch graft. Also recommended are a palmaris longus graft in the acute rupture setting and a transfer from the extensor indicis proprius to the EPL tendon in the subacute or chronic setting. Results of all treatments seem to be clinically satisfactory.