Closed tendon sheath irrigation for pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis

Twenty patients with pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis were treated by through-and-through saline irrigation using an indwelling catheter and small Penrose drain. The treatment lasted for 48 hours. All patients were discharged from the hospital within 4 days. Eighteen patients had regained complete active and passive motion by 1 week after operation. One patient had a slight residual flexor tendon adherence and one gained motion after operation. This technique provides rapid, complete return of function with minimal inconvenience to the patient.