Closed rupture of the extensor indicis and extensor digitorum tendons to the index finger after locking plate fixation of a fracture of the distal radius

Concomitant Rupture of Extensor Pollicis Longus and Index Extensor Tendons following Distal Radius Plating-Report of Two Cases and Their Clinical Implication for Tendon Transfer Surgery

Extensor indicis proprius (EIP) tendon transfer is a standard operation for restoration of the thumb extension following rupture of extensor pollicis longus (EPL). In its standard form often the EIP is transferred to the EPL without inspection of the extensor tendons in the fourth compartment and it is retained in its anatomical fourth compartment. However, in a setting of EPL rupture in relation to the distal radius fracture (with or without fixation), concomitant injury to the extensor tendons to the index finger may result in failure of the transfer and even a loss of index finger extension (index finger drop) further complicating the reconstruction and resulting in immense patient dissatisfaction. We herein present two such rare cases to highlight this clinical scenario and how an awareness of this possibility and inspection of the extensor tendons to the index finger before EIP transfer allowed us to prevent this complication. In essence, if we know it, we can prevent it.

Entrapment of the Extensor Indicis Proprius Tendon after Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Distal Ulna: Case Report and Discussion of the Diagnosis and Surgical Result

Entrapment of the extensor indicis proprius (EIP) after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the distal ulna with a plate and screw construct is rare. By literature review, we found evidence of such complication associated with distal radius fracture, but no past reports relating to the distal ulna. ORIF of the distal ulna is a common procedure for both fracture treatment and deformity correction. Due to the EIP muscle originating primarily from the dorsoradial surface of the distal ulna and the adjacent interosseous membrane, the muscle may be damaged or compressed by a fixation plate during ORIF, resulting in entrapment. We present two case reports of this rare complication, describing the method of clinical diagnosis, surgical treatment, and outcome. Our accompanying cadaver dissection provides an explanation for proper plate positioning during ORIF of the ulna to reduce the risk of EIP entrapment.

Detections of Screw Penetration during Volar Plating for Distal Radius Fractures

Background  We evaluated the detection for screw penetration on the dorsal cortex of the radius in serial oblique, dorsal tangential, and radial groove radiographic views in volar plating fixation. Materials and Methods  Eight screw positions were set in each of the four cadaveric radii. Screw 1 was placed in the styloid subregion, whereas screws 2 and 3 were placed just proximal to the styloid and were defined for the radial region of the radius. Screws 4 (distal to the extensor pollicis longus [EPL] groove), 5 (the distal half of the groove), and 6 (the proximal half of the groove) were placed in the central region of the radius. Screws 7 (just medial to the groove) and 8 (sigmoid notch subregion) were positioned in the ulnar region of the radius. The screws were overlengthened by 1 and 2 mm and were evaluated in three radiographic views. Results  Penetrations in the radial region were fully visible in supinated oblique views with 1- and 2-mm overlengthened screws. The penetration of screw 4 was clearly observable over a considerable range of views. However, the 1-mm penetration of screw 5 was not detectable at any angle of projection. Detection of the ulnar region screw was the most difficult among the three regions with oblique views. In the dorsal tangential view, the 1-mm penetration of screw 4 was not observed in any of the four radii, but the penetration of screw 5 was detectable in all the radii. The screws 2, 3, 5, 7, and 8 were readily detectable. The screw 4 was barely seen in the radial groove view, while the screws 5 and 6 were readily detectable. Conclusion/Clinical Relevance  Appropriate combinations of these well-known radiological views are essential for the overall detection of penetrated screws during plating in distal radius fractures.