Flexor tenosynovitis in the hand. An unusual aetiology.

We report an unusual case of tenosynovitis in the hand. A female farm worker aged 66 developed swelling of the middle and little fingers. Extensive synovectomy of the flexor tendon sheaths was performed, and the synovitis was found to be due to Listeria monocytogenes, which is unusual in this area. Treatment with amoxycillin and gentamicin for 10 days was replaced by trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for 3 weeks. There was no recurrence of infection 3 months after surgery, and flexion and extension were complete at that time.