Subscribe to RSS
Download PDF
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1802314
Flexor Tendon Tenosynovitis in a Child Following Missed Thorn Prick Injury: A Case Report
Funding None.
Abstract
Plant thorn synovitis is a frequently missed and neglected injury. We report a delayed case of suspected thorn injury to the left middle finger in a 5-year-old child, which was treated with thorn removal and complete flexor synovectomy to achieve good results. Proper history, clinical examination, and correlated radiological findings can help in the diagnosis. Patients may seek late treatment due to persistent swelling and pain. Antibiotic may be given; however, in a delayed case, its role is debatable. Thorn removal and complete tenosynovectomy offers complete recovery.
Publication History
Article published online:
05 February 2025
© 2025. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd.
A-12, 2nd Floor, Sector 2, Noida-201301 UP, India
-
References
- 1 De Smet L, Fabry G. Aseptic tenosynovitis of the flexor sheath due to a retained wooden splinter. Acta Orthop Belg 1994; 60 (02) 248-249
- 2 Baskar S, Mann JS, Thomas AP, Newton P. Plant thorn tenosynovitis. J Clin Rheumatol 2006; 12 (03) 137-138
- 3 Garcia RM, Messerschmitt PJ, Xin W, Lacey SH. Aseptic flexor tendon tenosynovitis caused by a plant thorn: a case report and review of the literature. Curr Orthop Pract 2011; 22 (05) 461-463
- 4 Brady RC, Sommerkamp TG. Thorn-induced Alternaria flexor tenosynovitis of the hand. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2001; 20 (11) 1097-1098
- 5 Kaya M, Tuna H, Tunçbilek N, Cermik TF, Sardoğan K. Scintigraphic findings in plant thorn tenosynovitis of finger. Clin Nucl Med 2008; 33 (02) 131-132
- 6 Ettelson CD, Weeks PM. Thorn-induced tenosynovitis of the hand. Case report. Mo Med 1984; 81 (05) 257-259
- 7 Piard F, Levillain P, Michiels R, Justrabo R, Regnard PJ, Kwasek P. Tenosynovitis caused by a plant thorn. Arch Anat Cytol Pathol 1985; 33 (5–6): 257-260
- 8 Chapman T, Ilyas AM. Pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis: evaluation and treatment strategies. J Hand Surg Am 2019; 44 (11) 981-985
- 9 Kanavel AB. The symptoms, signs, and diagnosis of tenosynovitis and fascial space abscesses. In: Infections of the Hand. 1st ed.. Philadelphia, PA: Lea & Febiger; 1912: 201-226
- 10 Cruz AT, Cazacu AC, Allen CH. Pantoea agglomerans, a plant pathogen causing human disease. J Clin Microbiol 2007; 45 (06) 1989-1992
- 11 Kratz A, Greenberg D, Barki Y, Cohen E, Lifshitz M. Pantoea agglomerans as a cause of septic arthritis after palm tree thorn injury; case report and literature review. Arch Dis Child 2003; 88 (06) 542-544
- 12 De Champs C, Le Seaux S, Dubost JJ, Boisgard S, Sauvezie B, Sirot J. Isolation of Pantoea agglomerans in two cases of septic monoarthritis after plant thorn and wood sliver injuries. J Clin Microbiol 2000; 38 (01) 460-461
- 13 Doig SG, Cole WG. Plant thorn synovitis. Resolution following total synovectomy. J Bone Joint Surg Br 1990; 72 (03) 514-515