Finger Infection: Pyogenic Flexor Tenosynovitis (PFT)

At our Warren, MI area practice, we offer treatment for a potentially catastrophic finger infection known as Pyogenic Flexor Tenosynovitis (PFT). Affecting the hand’s flexor tendon sheath, the first sign of a PFT finger infection must be treated with an IV of antibiotics, and must also be drained of fluid. In order to salvage the infected finger and avoid amputation, PFT usually requires treatment with surgery.

In this article, board certified Warren, MI area hand expert Dr. Rehman discusses the severity of Pyogenic Flexor Tenosynovitis, and what must be done to avoid the dangers of this potentially devastating finger infection.

Causes of Pyogenic Flexor Tenosynovitis Finger Infection

Pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis finger infection results from “penetrating trauma” such as bites or puncture wounds. Patients with a weakened immune system are particularly vulnerable to PFT finger infection, as are those with unmanaged diabetes. Risk of PFT finger infection is also amplified by the use of IV drugs.

Staphylococcus aureus is the common bacterial cause of PFT hand infections, followed by methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas bacteria, especially in at-risk patients.

Eikenella bacteria is often the cause of a pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis in cases of human bites While Pasteurella Multocida bacteria is often the cause of a pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis in cases of dog bites or other animal bites.

Symptoms of Pyogenic Flexor Tenosynovitis Finger Infection

  • pain
  • swelling
  • usually limited to one finger at a time
  • flexed position of the affected finger
  • tenderness to the touch
  • intense pain when finger is passively extended
  • increased warmth of the involved finger
  • erythema or redness

Treatment of Pyogenic Flexor Tenosynovitis Finger Infection

The outcome of pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis finger infection depends on careful time management. This includes promptly recognizing the condition and swiftly seeking out appropriate treatment for the finger infection. When left undiagnosed or untreated, a hand or finger infection like PFT can result in significant morbidity.

In order to avoid the permanent devastation PFT finger infection can cause, patients must seek the care of a professional -like board certified Warren, MI area hand expert Dr. Rehman – the moment they notice any symptoms. After an initial evaluation, Dr. Rehman will begin treatment necessary to restore the finger to a healthy condition.

Treatment for a finger infection like PFT typically includes both surgery and antibiotic therapy. The sooner antibiotics are administered to the patient, the greater the range of movement restored to the affected finger.

In most cases pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis finger infection can typically be managed with minimally invasive tendon sheath irrigation and drainage, with or without removal of surrounding dead tissue – coupled with intensive treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics.

After being treated surgically, pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis finger infection will then undergo further antibiotic therapy, which will be adjusted in accordance with the results of the fluid culture.

In severe cases – usually only when the infection has been ignored or gone untreated –  further spread of the finger infection may be prevented only through amputation.

The sooner the is finger infection is identified, the greater chance the patient has of regaining their finger’s full range of motion. Failure to promptly seek out the care of someone like Warren, MI area hand expert Dr. Rehman, patients risk their finger infection progressing from simple stiffness, Boutonniere deformity, and deep space infection. Further progression of the finger infection can lead to tendon necrosis, adhesions, and potentially, the need for amputation.

Finger Infection Doctor – Warren, MI Area

If you are suffering from a finger infection it is extremely important to have your hand examined and treated by a board certified hand surgeon like Dr. Rehman as soon as possible. She will rapidly put in place a treatment plan to not only relieve symptoms, but to thoroughly diagnose and treat the infection in your fingers or hand.

Rapid intervention is required to prevent infection, preserve the function of the hand, and avoid long term complications or amputation. Do not delay. Call Warren, MI area hand surgeon Dr. Rehman today.

Warren, MI Area Finger Infection Doctor: 586.532.0803