ORTHOPEDICS/HAND & WRIST/WRIST DISORDERS
The ECU tendon, or extensor carpi ulnaris, is one of the principal wrist tendons.
The ECU tendon located is on the wrist ulnar side, (same as the small finger).
The ECU tendon begins on the forearm back just at the wrist joint level.
The ECU tendon is straight on the joint side.
The ECU tendon is also one of the several causes that enhance ulnar-sided wrist pain.
Note that their are two most communal ECU tendon difficulties: the tendonitis and the tendon subluxation.
ECU Tendonitis
ECU tendonitis is the consequence of an untreated ECU tendon inflammation.
This disorder is frequently present with nonathletic individuals and mostly arises without an understandable reason.
Sometimes, following a shocking damage, patients with have signs that arise, such as a wrist crack.
ECU tendonitis/Symptoms
ECU tendonitis is manifested usually by Soreness straight over the ECU tendon, or by the tendon sheath inflammation, or also by wrist crepitus motion and finally by pain with ulnar deviation (pointing the wrist to the pinky side).
ECU tendonitis/Diagnosis
Commonly, tests are required to assess other wrist pain sources.
X-rays would be satisfactory for most patients with tendonitis.
MRI might show some fluid around the tendon.
Sometimes, injecting a traumatic medicine (lidocaine) around the tendon may enhance pain relief.
ECU tendonitis/Therapy
Classic therapy is performed in most of the ECU tendonitis and may include relaxation, ice application, anti-inflammatory medicines, and the use of a wrist bandage.
If signs persist, a cortisone injection can be helpful.
Rarely a surgical technique is needed and not required unless simple therapy seems non-operative.
ECU Snapping or Subluxation
Snapping ECU condition is a disorder due to the ECU tendon sliding in and out of its groove on the wrist side.
Snapping ECU is mostly arising due to a shocking damage to the wrist. The damage causes impairment to the normal tendon sheath and allows the tendon to slide out of its normal place.
ECU subluxation/Signs
Wrist pain snapping with twisting movements
Tendon snapping out of its groove with turning the hand to a palm-up position
Tendon snaps back into place when the hand is turned palm down
Sometimes after an injury, the ECU tendon is not held in place, it may ‘snap’ over the bone as the wrist is rotated.
Therapy may give good result immobilizing the wrist with the tendon in a correct position.