[An uncommon occupational accident: tuberculous tenosynovitis of the extensor tendons of the hand].

We present a case of tuberculous tenosynovitis of the extensor tendons of the hand. Our patient was a young doctor working in the respiratory medicine department. He was injured on the dorsal aspect of the hand with a needle used for pleural aspiration. The clinical features consisted of gradually swelling, mild pain and stiffness of the metacarpophalangeal joint. The diagnosis was made after synovectomy. Histological and bacteriological examinations revealed tuberculosis. Treatment consisted of synovectomy and appropriate antibiotics. The clinical course was excellent after one year follow-up. Tuberculous tenosynovitis of the hand is a rare manifestation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis occurring in fewer than 5% of all cases of skeletal tuberculosis. Thickening of the tendon or synovial sheath and local accumulation of fluid are the characteristic manifestations. The diagnosis must be confirmed by surgical biopsy. Antibiotics and synovectomy achieve a good functional result.