Late repair of combined extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis avulsion fractures.

Abstract

Concomitant avulsion fractures of the extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis tendons are relatively rare injuries. The usual injury mechanism is forced hyperflexion to an actively extended wrist. No consensus exists regarding the appropriate management of this injury, with some surgeons advocating closed treatment and others favoring operative fixation. The authors describe a novel surgical technique for the late repair of combined extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis tendon avulsion using suture anchor repair of the extensor carpi radialis brevis and tenodesis of the retracted extensor carpi radialis longus to the brevis.