Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection of the hand: a case report and review of the literature.

Despite the recent overall increase in cases of tuberculosis and other types of mycobacterial infection, the incidence of tuberculous hand infections remains extremely low in the United States. The rarity of this infection often results in delay in diagnosis and treatment. A case of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection of the left thumb without pulmonary involvement is presented. The patient's presentation and clinical findings were characteristic of M. tuberculosis infection. Prompt surgical debridement and tissue diagnosis are essential to the diagnosis and treatment of this rare infection.