Infective Tenosynovitis

Question 1

What are Kanavel’s signs of flexor tendon sheath infection?

Answer 1

Fixed flexion
Fusiform swelling
Tenderness and pain on passive extension

Question 2

How can infective tenosynovitis be differentiated from gout or pseudogout?

Answer 2

Gout/pseudogout - monoarthropathies, so won’t affect the entire digit

Question 3

How can infective tenosynovitis be differentiated from inflammatory arthritis?

Answer 3

IA has a more insiduous presentation

Question 4

Mx of infective tenosynovitis?

Answer 4

IV abx + elevation if detected early
Surgical debridement

Question 5

Comps of infective tenosynovitis?

Answer 5

Fibrosis and contractures - can be disabling