Infectious wrist arthritis complicating acute carpal tunnel syndrome in a child: A CARE-compliant case report

Abstract

Introduction: The objective of this case report is to provide clinical evidence that acute infectious wrist arthritis in children can lead to the rare condition of acute carpal tunnel syndrome (ACTS). This article discusses in detail the characteristics of infectious wrist arthritis complicating ACTS in children in terms of etiology, pathogenic bacteria, treatment modalities, and sequelae to improve the understanding of this disease. Patient concerns: A 10-year-old male child presented with a 15-day history of swelling and pain in the left forearm, wrist, and hand. Diagnoses: Left-sided infected wrist arthritis complicating ACTS. Interventions: The child received emergency surgery and anti-infective treatment combined with regular rehabilitation. Outcomes: During the treatment period, the child’s wrist pain and swelling gradually improved, and wrist movement was restored compared with the preoperative period. At 6-month follow-up, the activities of the metacarpophalangeal joints of the left hand were close to normal, and the flexion of the left wrist joint was slightly limited. Conclusion: In infectious wrist arthritis in children, ACTS is a serious complication that requires aggressive surgical carpal tunnel release to avoid median nerve injury in addition to anti-infective therapy.