Gouty flexor tenosynovitis – Case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Gout is a rare cause of tenosynovitis and is difficult to diagnose based on clinical symptoms and imaging modalities. We present a case of gouty tenosynovitis of the proximal interphalangeal joint. A 32-year old male patient presented with a swollen, painful proximal interphalangeal joint of the 3rd digit on his right hand for 2 weeks with flexion contracture. Surgical exploration of the affected joint revealed a gouty tophus with extensive infiltration of the underlying flexor tendon. A tenosynovectomy and flexor tendon release was performed to treat the flexion contracture. Pathology disclosed urate crystals deposited within the tendon. Gouty infiltration of the flexor tendons of the hand can lead to extensive damage and compromised function. A high level of clinical suspicion is required as gouty tenosynovitis is a rare presentation and can often mimic an infectious etiology. Keywords: Gout; Tenosynovitis; Flexor tendon; Hand; Tophi.