Tenosynovitis of the hand caused byMycobacterium terrae

Flexor tendon synovitis caused byMycobacterium terrae resulted in considerable permanent functional impairment of the hand in six patients. Initial symptoms were subtle and uncharacteristic. Cortisone injections aggravated the condition. Surgical treatment including synovectomy was combined with antimycobacterial chemotherapy. Early diagnosis obtained by culture of synovial biopsy material to detect mycobacteria may result in an improved outcome in chronic synovitis.