A spontaneous rupture of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon is associated with rheumatoid arthritis, fractures of the wrist, systemic or local steroids and repetitive, and excessive abnormal motion of the wrist joint.
The common extensor tendon is a tough band of fibrous connective tissue that attaches to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus (long bone in the upper arm) at the elbow. Rupture or tear of the common extensor tendon is the most common acute tendon injury of the elbow.
329: Laceration of extensor muscle, fascia and tendon of unspecified finger at wrist and hand level.
The long extensor tendon to the thumb is called the Extensor Pollicis Longus (EPL). This tendon straightens the end joint of the thumb and also helps pull the thumb in towards the index finger. The tendon runs around a bony prominence on the back of the wrist called Lister's tubercle.
What is it? Tennis elbow is a tear in the common extensor tendon as it originates from the lateral epicondyle. These tears are produces by mechanical overload during activities that stress tendon fibers. Persons of middle age, 35 to 60, are afflicted with this condition most often.
Causes of Common Extensor Tendon Origin Rupture Common causes may include: Activity that requires repetitive motion of the forearm such as painting, typing, weaving, gardening, lifting heavy objects, and sports. Overuse of the forearm muscles. Direct trauma as with a fall, work injury, or motor vehicle accident.
The extensor tendon repair code is 25270—Repair, tendon or muscle, extensor, forearm and/or wrist; primary, single, each tendon or muscle.
Surgical repair of a lacerated or torn extensor tendon is called extensor tendon repair. An extensor tendon repair surgery can be performed under either regional or general anesthesia.
The extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon resides within the 3rd dorsal extensor compartment of the wrist, inserts upon the distal phalanx of the thumb, and is the primary extensor of the thumb.
Rupture of EPL happens due to a injury, fracture of the distal radius (forearm bone) at its bony prominence (Lister's tubercle), following surgery for distal radius fracture (prominent screw) and rheumatoid arthritis.
The flexor pollicis longus (FPL) is a long muscle located at the deep layer with flexor digitorum profundus and pronator quadratus in the anterior compartment of the forearm. Though it is situated at the forearm, it is classified as part of the extrinsic muscles of the hand as it's function is seen in thumb movement.
An important contributor to thumb function, the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) muscle is an extrinsic thumb muscle which extends and adducts the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and interphalangeal (IP) joints.