V phlegmon
| Classification according to ICD-10 | |
|---|---|
| L03.01 | Phlegmon on fingers |
| ICD-10 online (WHO version 2019) | |
As V-phlegmon refers to a suppurative inflammation caused by bacteria within the flexor tendon sheaths of the hand. In the case of a perforating injury to the tendon sheath of the second to fourth fingers, the inflammation remains isolated in the tendon sheath. However, if the tendon sheaths of the thumb or little finger are injured, the infection descends to the wrist and can break through the thin dividing walls of the two synovial sacs and thus cause a V-shaped infection from the thumb to the wrist to the little finger. If the outcome is unfavorable, tendinitis on the thumb or little finger can stiffen the entire hand. In 71.4% (according to Scheldrup) of the population there is a connection between the tendon sheaths of the little finger and thumb.
