# Flexor Tendon Tenosynovitis in a Child Following Missed Thorn Prick Injury: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A child's finger injury from a thorn led to delayed treatment and required surgery for full recovery.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of plant thorn synovitis in children.

## Key findings

- Delayed treatment of thorn injury required thorn removal and complete flexor synovectomy for recovery.
- Persistent swelling and pain led to late medical attention in the child's case.
- Antibiotics may not be effective in delayed cases of plant thorn synovitis.

## Abstract

Plant thorn synovitis is a frequently missed and neglected injury. We report a delayed case of suspected thorn injury to the left middle finger in a 5-year-old child, which was treated with thorn removal and complete flexor synovectomy to achieve good results. Proper history, clinical examination, and correlated radiological findings can help in the diagnosis. Patients may seek late treatment due to persistent swelling and pain. Antibiotic may be given; however, in a delayed case, its role is debatable. Thorn removal and complete tenosynovectomy offers complete recovery.