Extensor Pollicis Longus Entrapment in a Pediatric Distal Radius Fracture: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

TL;DR

A 12-year-old girl with a forearm fracture developed thumb dysfunction due to a rare EPL tendon entrapment, which was successfully treated with surgery.

Contribution

This case report adds to the limited literature on EPL entrapment following pediatric distal radius fractures.

Findings

EPL entrapment can mimic tendon rupture after forearm fractures in children.

Surgical tenolysis led to good functional recovery in this patient.

Tendon entrapment should be considered in cases of unexplained thumb dysfunction post-fracture.

Abstract

Entrapment of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon following a pediatric distal radius fracture is an exceptionally rare occurrence that can clinically mimic tendon rupture. We report the case of a 12-year-old girl who presented with loss of active thumb extension several weeks after successful reduction of a distal radius fracture. Imaging studies ruled out tendon rupture, and subsequent surgical exploration confirmed entrapment of the EPL within the fracture callus. The patient underwent tenolysis and achieved good functional recovery. This case highlights the importance of considering tendon entrapment in patients with unexplained thumb dysfunction following forearm fractures.

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