Flexor Tendon Infections

Infections of the flexor tendons, the tendons that pull the fingers into the palm of the hand, can have serious consequences.  These tendons pass through a protective sheath that allows the tendons to glide smoothly.  Without normally functioning flexor tendons, gripping and squeezing can be difficult tasks.

The flexor sheath, that structure important to function of the tendons, can also lead to problems.  This sheath has little immune defenses, and when bacteria get in the sheath, through a cut or puncture wound, serious infections can occur.  Flexor tendon infections should be evaluated early, and treated aggressively.