tient with necrotizing streptococcal in

fection of the hand. a, Finger at 3 days; b, at 2 weeks; c, at 3 months (dorsal surface); and d, at 3 months (volar surface). i~~~~~.. ? the axilla, if necessary). The patient became afebrile within 24 hours. He was discharged on postoperative day 10. The soft-tissue infection and the flexor tenosynovitis have completely resolved. The entire left third finger is viable and functional, although some loss of volar pulp volume was noted at a 3-month follow-up visit. Figure 1 depicts the progression of the infection and the outcome after healing. The incidence of infections of the hand due to /3-hemolytic streptococci is ~23% [1]. These infections may occur in the form of cellulitis that progresses to tenosynovitis. Necrotizing fasciitis involves the soft tissues, with infection spreading along the fascial planes. There may or may not be associated cellulitis [2]. Flexor tenosynovitis may occur as a further complication, as it did in our patient. We were able to resolve this condition with early antibiotic therapy and surgery.