Interposition of extensor digitorum tendon in distal radius fracture mimicking a compartment syndrome

Abstract

A 14-year-old boy sustained a dorsally displaced Salter-Harris Type II fracture of the distal radius. A single attempt at closed reduction failed. After this closed reduction, the patient was unable to passively or actively extend or flex his fingers. He had increasing pain and compartment pressures were abnormally elevated. Dorsal fasciotomy was done, and during the open reduction, entrapment of the dorsal extensor retinaculum and extensor digitorium communis within the fracture was found. After removal of these structures, fracture reduction was easily accomplished and his fingers had a full range of motion. Postoperative recovery was uneventful.