[Infection of a tophaceous nodule of the middle finger]

Gouty involvement of the hand is uncommon and the complications the most described are bony destruction, digital joint instability, tenosynovitis and double ipsilateral tunnel syndrome of the median and ulnar nerves at the wrist. Septic complications, such as infection of a tophaceous nodule, are a rare entity. The authors report a case of an infection of a tophaceous nodule of the middle finger in a 67-year-old man. The diagnosis was suspected on physical examination and radiological findings but final diagnosis is provided by bacteriological examination. This case is presented to heighten awareness of this rare entity and to provide a setting for a discussion of management.