Entrapment of Extensor Pollicis Longus Tendon after Volar Plating of a Smith Type Pediatric Distal Forearm Fracture

Abstract

Extensor pollicis longus tendon entrapment is a rare complication of volarly displaced pediatric distal radius fractures. The few pediatric case reports have described tendon entrapment associated with conservative fracture treatment, or have been recognized at subsequent revision surgery after failure to achieve closed fracture reduction. A case of extensor pollicis longus tendon entrapment after open reduction and volar plate fixation of a pediatric distal forearm fracture is reported. This complication may also occur secondarily after open reduction and volar plating of the distal radius.

Keywords: Distal radius fracture; Extensor pollicis longus; Pediatric; Tendon entrapment; Trauma.