Extensor Carpi Ulnaris (ECU) subluxation The Extensor Carpi Ulnaris (ECU), is the must ulnar of the muscles of the forearm, and extends from the elbow to the hand, where it joins by inserting into the fifth metacarpal, the bone that leads to the little, or pinky, finger. As the ECU shifts into a tendon and joins the bones of the hand, it passes through a fibrous tunnel at the base of the ulna, and when this sheath is injured, the tendon can be affected. . When the tendon occupies the wrong space within the sheath or is moved to an extreme degree within this sheath, it is known as subluxation. . What causes ECU Subluxation? ECU subluxation is caused when the fibrous sheath through which the ECU tendon passes upon reaching the wrist joint become injured, whether through trauma or repetitive injury. Inflammation of the sheath can cause the tendon to become displaced, and more serious injury to the sheath might become torn, and the tendon may then exit the sheath entirely. What are the symptoms of ECU Subluxation? ECU subluxation most often presents with a searing pain to the affected area, being the ulnar aspect of the wrist. Snapping can also be felt, as the misplaced tendon interacts with the bones of the wrist where it has been moved. The displacement of the tendon is also often visible upon physical examination of the injured area. . How is ECU Subluxation diagnosed? The subluxation of the ECU tendon may be visible to the naked eye after a physical examination of the injury. Palpation and movement of the joint may also give a better understanding of the possible nature of the injury. In order to determine the full extent of the injury to the sheath and to ascertain the exact position of the ECU tendon, MRI or ultrasound imaging are used to look inside the wrist and locate all of the relevant body parts. . What is the Treatment ? Non surgical treatment consists of physical therapy (patient’s education, activity modification, exercises) and splinting may be considered during the initial stage. Panagiotis Arsenis @rarephysio #Extensor #Carpi #Ulnaris #ECU #subluxation #clinical #physicalexam #video #Orthopedics #Wrist #msk
