Spontaneous Rupture of the Extensor Pollicis Longus Tendon due to Unusual Etiology.

BACKGROUND

The etiology of spontaneous rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon includes systemic or local steroid injections, wrist fracture, tenosynovitis, synovitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and repetitive wrist motions.

CASE REPORT: We encountered a case of extensor pollicis longus tendon rupture with an unusual etiology, cow milking. In this case, transfer of the extensor indicis proprius tendon was performed successfully. At 1 year after surgery, extension of the thumb was sufficient.

CONCLUSION

It appears that patients with occupations involving repetitive motions are at a high risk of closed tendon ruptures.