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Horseshoe abscess associated with acute carpal tunnel syndrome: somebody wake up the hand surgeon

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 May 2015

David A. Simon
Affiliation:
Faculty of Medicine, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON
Taryn-Lise Taylor*
Affiliation:
Carleton Sport Medicine Clinic, Ottawa, ON
*
Carleton Sport Medicine Clinic, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6; taryntaylor13@yahoo

Abstract

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The horseshoe abscess is a rare variant of flexor tendon sheath infections. It involves the tendon sheaths of the first and fifth digits, which communicate through the deep potential space of the wrist. Neural compression is possible, leading to an acute carpal tunnel syndrome. The approach to such patients should include empirical antibiotic coverage and urgent consultation with a hand surgeon to facilitate operative management.

Type
Case Report • Rapport de cas
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians 2012

References

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