Ruptured Extensor Pollicis Longus Tendon After a Nondisplaced Distal Radius Fracture in a Young Adult Soccer Player

Forearm fractures of the distal radius are one of the most common fractures seen in the upper extremity, and they represent approximately 1/6 of fractures treated in the emergency department. Forearm fractures are associated with a rare but known complication of a delayed ruptured extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon. This sequela is more commonly seen in adults after a nondisplaced distal radius fracture, with much variability in the incidence ranging from 0.07% to 5%. By contrast, this complication in the pediatric population is almost exclusively seen after a displaced or unstable fracture necessitating surgical correction with open reduction and internal fixation.