ABSTRACT
Pyogenic (or suppurative) flexor tenosynovitis (Fig. 1) is an
infection of the flexor tendon sheath that is usually caused by a
penetrating injury and less commonly by hematogenous
spread. Lacerations, punctures, and bites account for most
cases. Four classic findings have been described by Kanavel
(1): (i) Flexed posture of the finger, (ii) Fusiform swelling of the
digit (“sausage digit”), (iii) Exquisite tenderness along (and
limited to) the course of the sheath, and (iv) Excruciating pain
with passive extension of the finger (late finding).
