Name of the Condition

• Spontaneous Rupture of Extensor Tendons, Unspecified Hand

Summary

• Spontaneous rupture of extensor tendons in the hand is a condition where the tendons responsible for extending the fingers and wrist tear without any clear injury or trauma. This can result in difficulty or inability to straighten the fingers or wrist on its own.

Causes

• The precise cause of spontaneous tendon rupture can be varied and is often unclear. It may be associated with underlying conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, repetitive stress, or degenerative changes within the tendons.

Risk Factors

• Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and long-term corticosteroid use.
• History of repetitive strain or overuse of the hand.
• Older age can also increase the risk of spontaneous tendon rupture.

Symptoms

• Sudden inability to extend one or multiple fingers or the wrist.
• Pain and swelling in the affected area.
• A snapping or popping sensation in the hand may have been felt at the time of rupture.

Diagnosis

• Physical examination by a healthcare professional.
• Imaging tests like MRI or ultrasound to visualize the injury.
• Sometimes blood tests are conducted to rule out underlying conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment Options

• Initial treatment may involve immobilization using a splint or brace to protect the hand.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief.
• Surgical repair is often required to suture the torn tendons back together.
• Post-surgical physical therapy to restore function and strength.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With appropriate treatment, most individuals regain good function of the hand.
• Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor healing and progress in physical therapy.
• Recovery can be slow and may take several months, depending on the severity of the rupture and the success of the surgery.

Complications

• Delayed rehabilitation may lead to stiffness or impaired function.
• Complications from surgery such as infection, scar tissue formation, or incomplete healing.
• Permanent loss of movement or grip strength if not treated promptly.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Regularly perform hand exercises to maintain tendon flexibility and strength.
• Ensure proper ergonomic practices when performing repetitive tasks.
• Manage underlying health conditions like arthritis or diabetes effectively.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden loss of finger or wrist movement without a clear cause.
• Consult a physician if persistent pain or swelling occurs in the hand, particularly if associated with underlying conditions.

Additional Resources

• American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH)
  • Information and resources on hand conditions and surgery.
• Arthritis Foundation
  • Support for those with arthritis which can affect tendons.

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure specificity by distinguishing spontaneous ruptures from traumatic ones in documentation.
• Common errors include misclassifying the hand side or attributing to an incorrect tendon type; pay close attention to clinical notes.