Clin Orthop Surg.  2013 Mar;5(1):82-86. 10.4055/cios.2013.5.1.82.

Subluxation of the Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Tendon Associated with the Extensor Digitorum Tendon Subluxation of the Long Finger

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Busheon, Korea. hs2124@naver.com
  • 2Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
  • 3Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Armed Forces Capital Hospital, Seongnam, Korea.

Abstract

A twenty-year-old male visited our clinic with wrist and long finger metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint pain. Dynamic ultrasonography revealed sagittal band (SB) ulnar subluxation and extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) volar subluxation. Magnetic resonance imaging showed longitudinal splitting and dislocation of the volar half slip of the ECU tendon. The redundant radial SB was augmented and ECU sheath was advanced to the periosteum using suture anchors. He was able to perform his previous activities at the last follow-up. We encountered a case of "simulateous" ECU dislocation with extensor tendon subluxation of the long finger at the MP joint. Therefore, we report this case with a review of the relevant literature.

Keyword

Finger joint; Extensor carpi ulnaris; Sagittal band; Suture anchor

MeSH Terms

Finger Injuries/*diagnosis/*surgery
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Tendon Injuries/*diagnosis/*surgery
Ultrasonography
Young Adult

Figure

  • Fig. 1 (A) T2 axial MRI shows longitudinal splitting and dislocation of volar half slip of the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon. (B) Dynamic ultrasonography shows that the ECU was subluxated volarly in forearm supination with tendon attrition at the level of ulnar styloid process. (C) Dynamic ultrasonography shows that the sagittal band was subluxated ulnarly as the long finger metacarpophalangeal joint was flexed more than 70°. PROX: proximal, DIST: distal, EXT: extension of metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint, FLEX: flexion of MP joint.

  • Fig. 2 (A) Intraoperative photograph shows that the redundant radial sagittal band was augmented using a cross-stitch. (B) Intraoperative photograph shows an extensor carpi ulnaris sheath advanced with a horizontal mattress suture using two small FASTak suture anchors.

  • Fig. 3 Postoperative anteroposterior (A) and lateral (B) radiographs.


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