Continuous postoperative irrigation is well recognized for the management of pyogenic flexor teno-synovitis (Gosain and Markison, 1991). Despite this, evidence suggests that intraoperative irrigation alone is sufficient (Lille et al., 2000). This case highlights a disastrous complication of continuous postoperative irrigation and its potential to cause serious harm. A 33-year-old, right-hand dominant, builder presented with right index finger erythema and swelling, after sustaining a small (<1 cm) superficial volar abrasion. He had no improvement after 48 h oral flucloxacillin and so attended the Emergency Department, where flexor sheath infection was suspected. He was admitted for intravenous antibiotics by the local Orthopaedic Team and scheduled for emergency washout.
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