Stenosing tenosynovitis of the extensor carpi ulnaris.

Despite the paucity of reports in the literature, we have found extensor carpi ulnaris tenosynovitis to be relatively common in our practice. A retrospective review of charts revealed 15 patients treated over the last 4 years. Follow-up ranged from 10 to 14 months. All patients had ulnar-sided wrist pain and underwent conservative treatment consisting of splinting and steroid injection. In 7 of the 15 initial treatment failed and surgical release was required. Of these, 3 exhibited partially ruptured tendons from exposed bone and underwent reconstruction of the floor of the compartment. Preoperative x-ray films were helpful in identifying those with bone involvement. All but one patient had a good or excellent result. Stenosing tenosynovitis of the extensor carpi ulnaris may be more common than reported, and early intervention may prevent tendon damage in some patients.