Avulsion of both extensor carpi radialis tendons: A case report

Closed traumatic avulsion of both extensor carpi radialis tendons is report ed in a young healthy patient. Early diagnosis important because the tendon s tend to retract and anatomic repositioning is more difficult to perform w ith passing time. Diagnostic markers are the inability to actively extend t he wrist and the presence of dorsal bone fragments on the lateral radiograp h of the wrist. We recommend fixation of the avulsed fragments to restore t he length and strength of the wrist extensors. (J Hand Surg 1999;24A: 1286- 1288. Copyright (C) 1999 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.).