Delayed spontaneous rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon following blunt trauma

A case history is reported of spontaneous rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon eleven months after blunt trauma to the wrist. There were no associated fractures of underlying bones or arthritic changes to account for the rupture. It is postulated that the tendon was weakened due to impairment of its blood supply and that it subsequently separated due to chronic overuse. It is recommended that blunt trauma to tendons should be treated more aggressively than at present with such measures as immobilization and elevation in order to avoid local swelling and ischemia. This patient was successfully treated by means of a tendon graft. Tendon ruptures are briefly reviewed.