Flexor sheath infections Flashcards
What is flexor sheath infections in the hand ?
Infection of the synovial sheath that surrounds the flexor tendon
What is the mechanism?
Penetrating trauma to tendons
direct spread from felon, septic joint and deep space infection
what are the organisms typically involved?
Staoh aureus
Gram negative and anerobic bacteria
What conditions are commonly associated ?
IV drug sbusers- significant risk of MRSA
diabetes
farmyard injuries
animal bites
What may the infection develop into?
A horse shoe abscess as conditions of radial flexor tendon sheath ( thumb) l and ulna flexor tendon sheaths ( little finer) at the wrist
Where do the flexor synovial sheaths extend from ?
DIPJ to midplam in index, middle and ring fingers
DIPJ to wrist in little finger
IPJ to wirst in thumb
What are the presentation ?
Pain which developed over the last 24-48 hours
usually located to palmar aspect of one digit
What clinical signs maybe present? How are they associated with?
KANAVEL signs 4 in total
FUSIFORM SWELLING OF DIGIT
FLEXED POSITION of involved digit
TENDERNESS on PALPATION over TENDON SHEATH
MARKED PAIN with PASSIVE EXTENSION
What is the tx ?
Non op- for early intervention 1-2 kanavel signs= splinting, elevation and iv antibiotics
Mainly surgical draininage
What is problem with pyogenic flexor sheath infections?
The incrase in pressure leads to obstruction of arterial blood flow to the flexor tendon thru vincula system-> necrosis and rupture
How do you preform surgery?
Aspirate sheath first to obtain sample between palmodigital crease and dipj - use 20 gauge needle under a1 pulley
2 incisions- one prox to a1 pullet at mcpj- transverse incision
2nd incision is proximal to DIPJ crease. tendon sheath exposed. NV bundles identifed, protected. a catheter ( no5 paed feeding tube) is places down the sheath and irrigated prox to distal to avoid infection into palm!!irrigate until fluid is clear.if required can do a continous drip of saline at 1 drop per second fr 24-48 hours. catheter is removed and exercise started. wick gauze into wounds to prevent closure
What is your post op tx?
iv antibiotics
analgesia
forst change dressing between 8-12hours
soaks in dilute povidone -idoine x3 per day
rpt in 48hours if Kanavel’s signs not resolving