Iatrogenic Mycobacterium abscessus infection in a trigger finger

An immunocompetent 63-year-old lady developed Mycobacterium abscessus soft tissue infection of the hand following local corticosteroid injection for trigger finger. The patient was successfully treated with repeated radical debridement and prolonged antimicrobial therapy. Atypical mycobacterial infections, including those caused by M. abscessus, albeit rare, should be considered in cases of late-onset indolent infection following local injury surgical procedures, and injections. Clinical vigilance, timely diagnosis, combined directed antimicrobial treatment, coupled with adequate surgical debridement are key for successful management.