skip to main content

Flexor tenosynovitis — RCPSC EM MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardMusculoskeletalFlexor tenosynovitisRCPSC EM

A 38-year-old woman has a deep puncture wound to the palm from a fish spine. The finger is held flexed, pain is severe with passive extension, there is fusiform swelling, and tenderness tracks along the flexor sheath. What is the most appropriate investigation?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Make the clinical diagnosis and call hand surgery urgently

Kanavel signs indicate pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis. It is a clinical emergency; imaging may look for foreign body but should not delay hand-surgery involvement and antibiotics.

Reference: Royal College Emergency Medicine exam format and training experiences