The term (Vaughan-Jackson syndrome) refers to disruption of the digital extensor tendons, beginning on the ulnar side of the hand and wrist with the extensor digiti minimi (EDM) and extensor digitorum communis (EDC) tendon of the small finger. If the underlying pathology is not treated, sequential rupture of the EDC tendons of the ring, long, and index fingers occurs; ultimately, rupture of the extensor indicis proprius (EIP) may follow.
Vaughan-Jackson’s first report of extensor tendon rupture described two elderly laborers with degenerative arthritis of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). He found that the tendons were frayed and disrupted directly over a bony prominence projecting from the head of the ulna in both cases.