Extensor Pollicis Longus Tendon Rupture After a Pediatric Distal Radius Fracture: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Case: A 16-year-old boy underwent closed reduction and pinning of a Salter-Harris II distal radius fracture (DRF). Extensor pollicis longus (EPL) rupture occurred 6 weeks after the injury. Extensor indicis proprius transfer was performed using wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) technique. Active thumb range of motion was restored, and the patient returned to all activities, including sports, after 2 months.

Conclusion: Although delayed attritional EPL rupture after DRF is a well-known complication in adults, this is the first reported case in a truly skeletally immature patient. Awareness of this complication prompts monitoring for prodromal signs and symptoms. The WALANT technique is feasible in selected children.