Ulnar-sided Wrist pain due to Extensor Carpi Ulnaris tendon subluxation: A case report

Abstract

Traumatic Extensor Carpi Ulnaris (ECU) sublaxation is often missed and undiagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. ECU muscle plays a key role in active movement of wrist extension, ulnar deviation and also in providing suport to the ulnar side of wrist. Its position relative to the other structures in the wrist changes with forearm pronation and supination. As such it must be mobile yet stable. This structure can be injured in a variety of different athletic activity and following fall on outstretched hand. It lies subcutaneously and easily palpated and visualized, allowing early diagnosis and management. We in our study report a case of traumatic ECU sublaxation. An 18 year old female patient presented to our OPD with ulnar side wrist pain. MRI showed volar subluxed ECU tendon with ruptured ECU sheath. We had done open ECU sheath repair and excision of bursa. Very few literature shows traumatic ECU sublaxation report. The case is reported for the rarity of presentation and likely to misdiagnose in day to day clinical scenario.