Abstract
IntroductionFlexor sheath infections require prompt diagnosis, and management with intravenous antibiotics and/or surgical washout followed by physiotherapy. Complication rates as high as 38% have been reported.MethodsA retrospective review was carried out of all patients between January 2014 and May 2021 attending with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of flexor sheath infection. Age, gender, co-morbidities, cause of infection, management, and subsequent complications recorded.ResultsOf 132 patients, 67% were male. Mean age was 50.8 years. A trend towards fewer presentations each year with animal bites, foreign bodies and penetrating trauma as the main cause of infection. 89% (n=117) required admission, 77% (n=101) underwent a surgical washout. 11% (n=15) were treated as an outpatient. 7% (n=9) suffered a complication.DiscussionWhilst flexor sheath washout continues to be the treatment of choice, 23% of patients were managed with intravenous antibiotics, 48% of these purely via an outpatient service. Our overall complication rate was 7%.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
