Pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis

The clinical features of an infected finger flexor tendon sheath have changed dramatically since the pre-antibiotic time of Kanavel. The hand surgeon is encountering increasing numbers of gram-negative and mixed organism infections, especially in immunocompromised patients or those with comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus. The prognosis is directly related to the early recognition of the disease process and prompt surgical drainage and sheath irrigation, in combination with an appropriate antibiotic regimen. Despite appropriate management, some patients still develop significant complications. This possibility must be particularly recognized in diabetic and immunocompromised patient populations.