College

What are the four Kanavel signs that point to a diagnosis of flexor tenosynovitis?

A. Tenderness, erythema, swelling, warmth
B. Tenderness, erythema, swelling, warmth
C. Tenderness, pallor, coolness, swelling
D. Tenderness, pallor, coolness, swelling

Answer :

Final answer:

The four Kanavel signs, essential for the diagnosis of flexor tenosynovitis, include finger held in slight flexion, fusiform swelling, pain along the tendon sheath, and pain on passive extension. The correct answer reflecting these signs is (a) Tenderness, erythema, swelling, warmth; Yes.

Explanation:

The four Kanavel signs are critical indicators used in diagnosing flexor tenosynovitis, an infectious condition involving the tendons of the fingers. These signs include:

  • Finger held in slight flexion
  • Fusiform swelling or symmetrical swelling of the entire finger
  • Pain along the flexor tendon sheath
  • Pain on passive extension of the finger

Given the choices provided for the question, the correct answer is (a) Tenderness, erythema, swelling, warmth; Yes, because these correspond to the common signs of inflammation as described in historical records by Cornelius Celsus and in modern medical diagnosis. Tenderness, erythema (redness), swelling, and warmth are all consistent with the inflammatory process affecting a tendon sheath in flexor tenosynovitis.