Tuberculous tenosynovitis of the hand ("compound palmar ganglion"): literature review and case report.

Tuberculous tenosynovitis of the wrist or "compound palmar ganglion" is an uncommon lesion that requires early recognition and treatment for the best possible prognosis. It is an infrequent cause of chronic inflammation of the tendon sheaths about the hand and wrist, but it can destroy the enclosed tendons. A definite diagnosis can be made only through biopsy and culture. Proper treatment includes early complete excision of the diseased tissue with appropriate chemotherapy postoperatively. With proper early treatment a favorable prognosis can be expected for what otherwise might be a devastating disease.