[Transposition of the extensor indicis tendon in reconstruction of thumb extension after rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon].

During a period of 13 years we performed 56 extensor indicis proprius (EIP) transpositions for reconstruction of the ruptured or severed extensor pollicis longus tendon. The open injuries (n = 9) involved failed primary repair or untreated tendon injuries. The subcutaneous ruptures occurred after distal radius fractures (n = 17) or other closed injuries of the wrist (n = 10), without trauma in 14 patients and in 6 patients by rheumatoid synovialitis or collagenosis. 35 patients returned for follow-up examination 8 months to 10.5 years after operation. According to the evaluation scheme suggested by Geldmacher et al. we report 13 excellent, 19 good and 3 satisfactory results. Although several authors prefer EPL reconstruction with an intercalated tendon graft, we recommend the EIP transposition as a simple procedure with predictable satisfactory results.