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Flexor Tenosynovitis
- This is a rapidly spreading infection of the finger and hand.
- Often starts as an infection in the finger that then spreads into the hand due to the flexor sheaths.
- The flexor tendon sheaths of the long, index, and ring finger extend from the distal phalanx to the superficial palmar arch, and some even extend to the wrist.
- Most patient will need to be admitted for IV antibiotics and a hand consult for probable operative I&D
- You can diagnosis flexor tenosynovitis by documenting the four Kanavel signs:
- Fusiform swelling of the finger
- Finger held in partial flexion (position of comfort)
- Percussion tenderness along the flexor tendon
- Increased pain with passive extension of the finger
You can follow this link, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf9SW0ChsCU , to see the physical exam findings of flexor tenosynovitis