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ISSN 2063-5346
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Reconstruction of chronic post-traumatic extensor pollicis longus tendon rupture with autogenous tensor fascia Lata: A case report

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Dr. Sudhir K. Rawat, Dr. Shubham Arora, Dr. Harsh Patel, Dr. Akhil Bansal, Dr. Bhavya Sheth
» doi: 10.48047/ecb/2023.12.si8.178

Abstract

To evaluate functional and clinical outcomes achieved by Autogenous Tensor Fascia Lata Graft in Case of Post Traumatic Extensor Pollicis Longus tendon rupture. Introduction: Reconstruction of extensor pollicis longus tendon injuries have been reported using the extensor indices proprius. It is believed to be gold standard for this reconstruction. However, this may decrease extension strength and independent extension of the index finger. Also using this graft where the distance between the proximal and the distal fragment of EPL is more has resulted in unfavorable outcomes. We recognized that reconstruction of EPL with tensor fascia Lata graft would achieve functional motion of the thumb and avoid donor site morbidity. Systemic inflammatory diseases, bony ridges, presence of bone plate or external fixator pin may precipitate this. That occurs due to occupation like cooking, cow milking, tailoring and direct trauma. Materials and Methods: In this study, a 55-year-old female housewife had a history of trauma resulting in distal end of radius fracture after which she developed rupture of extensor pollicis longus which was confirmed by Sonography and a myotendinous gap of 3.3 cm was found. She had undergone a tensor fascia Lata tendon transfer and Tension was set by extension of thumb and neutral position of the wrist. Stitches removed after 2 weeks. Patient was given cast for 4 weeks to immobilize thumb and wrist movement followed by intermittent splinting and physiotherapy for another 4 weeks to yield excellent result. Discussion: EPL tear are managed by transposition of extensor indices proprius (EIP) tendon in most of study authors. It is less invasive procedure with beneficial outcomes regarding predictable function of thumb and undisturbed function of the index figure. Interposition TFL tendon grafting was preferred in present case because of increased distance between the proximal and distal tendon fragments. Balance between flexion and extension of thumb is critically obtained by setting tension during graft interposition. Conclusion: EPL tears most commonly occur at Lister’s tubercle. Tears typically occur as a result of trauma to wrist but may also occur spontaneously. EPL tears may occur at the distal phalangeal insertion or at a site of laceration uncommonly. The functional outcomes of EPL tear repair with extensor indices and tensor fascia lata have been comparable but when there is increased myotendinous gap the results are to be better with TFL than repair with EIP. Added advantage is there is no loss of function as while taking EIP graft and also the thickness and availability of TFL graft is more as compared to EIP graft. Hence from my study, I propose EIP reconstruction with TFL graft has better functional clinical and functional outcomes

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