UNASSIGNED: 21 patients who were treated for extensor tendon rupture following distal radius fractures in the period of 2014-2022 were retrospectively analyzed. 19 patients had been managed with surgery and two patients conservatively for the distal radius fracture. The time interval between the fracture fixation and tendon rupture, the time interval between tendon rupture and presentation, the extensor tendons injured and the position of the impinging screws or bony spur in relation to the extensor compartments, necessity for implant removal and modality of tendon reconstruction were studied in these patients.
UNASSIGNED: Extensor pollicis longus was found to be ruptured in all the patients except one patient with Extensor indicis proprius rupture alone. The time interval between the fracture fixation and tendon rupture averaged at 32.5 months. End to end repair of the ruptured tendons was never possible even in patients who presented earlier. 10 patients underwent intertendinous bridge grafting and 11 patients underwent tendon transfer. All the patients achieved full extension of thumb with no donor deficit.
UNASSIGNED: Distal radius fracture related extensor tendon injuries pose a technical challenge to the surgeon and concern to the patient in the form of recurring surgeries. However, with immediate presentation to the surgeon and their use of appropriately designed management algorithm, these patients could be immensely satisfied with the outcome.