Mycobacterium chelonei tenosynovitis of the hand: a case report.

We report an unusual organism, Mycobacterium chelonei, which causes digital tenosynovitis. Atypical mycobacterial infections of the hand are uncommon. The diagnosis should be suspected when there is persistent swelling or tenosynovitis, inconsistent with other inflammatory processes such as rheumatoid arthritis. Synovial biopsy specimen and appropriate cultures are necessary to confirm the diagnosis.