Introduction: Traumatic and atraumatic rupture of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon has been described as a result of mechanical or biological stresses. Common mechanisms include fractures of the distal radius, rheumatoid arthritis, local injection of steroids, and repetitive motion activities at the wrist.
Case report: We report a case involving the spontaneous rupture of the EPL tendon in a relative of a deceased person who carried her coffin in a wrong way with no other predisposing factors. A three-dimensional simulation model was created in an attempt to illustrate the forces applied at his wrist.
Conclusion: Our case indicates that carriage of a coffin should be done by four undertakers, ideally of the same height, on their shoulders. Furthermore, a high level of suspicion is needed when tenderness over Lister's tubercle after any type of trauma is encountered.
Keywords: Extensor pollicis longus; spontaneous; tendon rupture; tendon transfer.