Rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon following dorsal entry flexible nailing of radial shaft fractures in children

Abstract

Introduction: Diaphyseal forearm fractures are common in children and adolescents. Intramedullary fixation with flexible nails has a high success rate. Complications related to the insertion of the radial nail include injury to the superficial branch of the radial nerve and rupture of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon. Materials and Methods: We report a series of nine patients who sustained an EPL injury related to the insertion of an elastic intramedullary nail into the radius. Results: All nine patients underwent operative management, consisting of either EPL release, EPL direct repair, or tendon transfer (using extensor indicis proprius). In all cases, the nail entry site was dire..