Pediatric Extensor Pollicis Longus Tendon Rupture after Nondisplaced Distal Radius Fracture: A Literature Review

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to review the literature related to extensor pollicis longus tendon rupture following nondisplaced distal radius fractures in the pediatric population. This injury is more commonly seen in adults and is relatively rare in children and adolescents. In our literature search, only one case report of pediatric extensor pollicis longus rupture after nondisplaced displaced distal radius fracture is reported. Therefore, it is possible that anatomic and physiologic differences in pediatric patients may be protective against the physical irritation and ischemia thought to cause this injury in their adult counterparts. More research, including biomechanical studies and vascular studies, ought to be done to evaluate for the physiologic differences in pediatric patients that may account for the decreased risk of extensor pollicis longus rupture after nondisplaced distal radius fractures.