Spontaneous rupture of the digital extensor tendons of the hand in unrecognized carpal lunatefracture

Spontaneous rupture of the digital extensor tendons of the hand has been reported after Kienbocks disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Vaughan-Jackson syndrome, distal radial fracture. Rupture may also occur as a consequence of unrecognized carpal lunate fracture. We present a case report of a man affected with spontaneous rupture of the digital extensor tendons secondary to unrecognized carpal lunate fracture with partial dorsal dislocation. The edges of the tendon were debrided and sutured using a locked modified Kessler suture. A dynamic splinting cast was applied in moderate extension of the wrist. The aim of this case report is to highlight that in absence of a clear etiology for rupture of the extensor tendons of the hand, carpal lunate fracture, though rare, is an important cause of spontaneous extensor tendons rupture.