Delayed rupture of the thumb extensor tendon. A 5-year study of 18 consecutive cases.

18 consecutive cases of delayed rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon were recorded during 5 years; 4 were spontaneous, and 14 after distal radius fracture, most of which were undisplaced or only slightly displaced. 15 cases were operated upon with tendon transfers: 13 had extensor indicis proprius transfer, 1 transfer of the extensor carpi radialis longus, and 1 reoperated with the extensor communis to the little finger as a motor unit. Subjectively, nearly complete satisfaction was reported; all patients were able to elevate the thumb to the level of the palm and full independent index finger movements were noted. In this 5-year-period 4,400 patients with distal radius fractures were treated, giving an incidence of delayed tendon rupture after distal radius fracture of 0.3 percent.