EPL Repair with EIP Transfer

This demonstrates attritional rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon at Lister’s tubercle at the wrist which can not be repaired primarily without undue tension. Therefore a transfer of one of the tendons of the index finger (extensor indicis proprius) is utilized to restore the function of the thumb tendon.

 

The extensor pollicis longus tendon ruptured leaving the thumb with inability to extend or radially abduct the thumb.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flexed posture and inability to extend the thumb secondary to a ruptured EPL tendon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The extensor pollicis longus tendon is unable to be repaired primarily secondary to shortening and attritional changes of the native tendon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The extensor indicis proprius is harvested at the level of the metacarpophalangeal joint.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Postoperative view demonstrating full extension and radial abduction of the thumb.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Full extension of the index finger is also demonstrated.