What is the differential diagnosis for a hard lump on a flexor tendon?

Differential Diagnosis for a Hard Lump on a Flexor Tendon

A hard lump on a flexor tendon most commonly represents a flexor tendon nodule from stenosing tenosynovitis (trigger finger), but you must systematically exclude giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath, chronic tendinopathy with degenerative nodule formation, partial tendon rupture with scarring, and infectious tenosynovitis.

Primary Differential Diagnoses

Stenosing Tenosynovitis (Trigger Finger/Thumb)

• Most common cause of a palpable nodule on the flexor tendon, typically located at the A1 pulley level in the palm 1
• Presents with well-localized tenderness that reproduces the patient's pain during activity, often with a history of repetitive hand use 1, 2
• The nodule represents focal thickening of the tendon or tendon sheath from chronic degenerative changes, not acute inflammation 3
• Physical examination reveals a palpable nodule that moves with tendon excursion during finger flexion/extension 1

Giant Cell Tumor of Tendon Sheath

• Second most common soft tissue tumor of the hand, presenting as a firm, painless nodule attached to the tendon sheath 1
• Typically slower growing than inflammatory conditions and may not reproduce pain with tendon loading 1
• Requires imaging (ultrasound or MRI) to differentiate from other masses 1

Chronic Tendinopathy (Tendinosis) with Nodule Formation

• Represents degenerative changes with collagen disorientation and fiber separation, creating focal thickening 3
• Patients describe insidious onset of "sharp" or "stabbing" pain that is load-related and coincides with repetitive movements 2, 3
• Critical pitfall: Avoid mislabeling as "tendinitis" when chronic degenerative tendinosis is present, as this leads to inappropriate anti-inflammatory treatment 3
• Ultrasound demonstrates tendon thickening and heterogeneous echogenicity; MRI shows degenerative changes with 95% sensitivity and specificity 3

Partial Flexor Tendon Rupture with Scarring

• Can present as a palpable nodule from scar tissue formation at the rupture site 4
• History typically includes sudden onset during forceful flexion against resistance, though presentation may be delayed by weeks 4
• MRI has 92% sensitivity and 100% specificity for detecting flexor tendon injuries and can show the quality of the tendon stump 1
• Ultrasound can diagnose flexor tendon injuries with 96.2% accuracy and localize pathology within 1 cm in 78% of cases 5

Infectious Flexor Tenosynovitis

• Must be excluded urgently due to risk of rapid progression to compartment syndrome and amputation 6
• Look for Kanavel's four cardinal signs: symmetric digital swelling, semi-flexed posture, tenderness along the tendon sheath, and pain with passive extension 6
• History of penetrating trauma, laceration, bite, or needle puncture is typical 6
• Elevated inflammatory markers (WBC, ESR, CRP) support the diagnosis 6
• This is a surgical emergency requiring immediate debridement if present 6

Diagnostic Approach Algorithm

Step 1: Urgent Exclusion of Infection

• Assess for Kanavel's signs, fever, systemic symptoms, and recent trauma 6
• If present, obtain inflammatory markers and proceed immediately to surgical consultation 6

Step 2: Clinical Examination

• Palpate for well-localized tenderness that reproduces activity-related pain (suggests tendinopathy or stenosing tenosynovitis) 1, 2
• Assess whether the nodule moves with tendon excursion during finger flexion (confirms tendon attachment) 1
• Look for muscle atrophy suggesting chronicity, swelling, erythema, and asymmetry 1, 3
• Test for pain with passive extension and active flexion against resistance 1, 6

Step 3: Initial Imaging

• Plain radiographs are not necessary for typical presentations but may rule out bony pathology, loose bodies, or calcific tendinosis 1, 2
• Ultrasound is the first-line imaging modality when needed, showing tendon thickening, heterogeneous echogenicity, and distinguishing solid from cystic masses 1, 3
• Ultrasound has 100% sensitivity for detecting moderate to full-thickness tendon tears and can guide interventions 1

Step 4: Advanced Imaging When Diagnosis Remains Unclear

• MRI is indicated when ultrasound is inconclusive, for surgical planning, or when multiple differential diagnoses need exclusion 1, 2
• MRI demonstrates tendon degeneration, partial tears, peritendinous adhesions, and soft tissue masses with high sensitivity (95%) and specificity (95%) 1, 3

Critical Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not assume all tendon nodules are benign trigger finger—always exclude infection in acute presentations with systemic signs 6
• Do not delay treatment of infectious tenosynovitis—progressive inflammation can lead to compartment syndrome and amputation within 24 hours 6
• Do not label chronic tendon nodules as "tendinitis"—most represent degenerative tendinosis requiring different management than anti-inflammatory treatment alone 3
• Do not rely solely on clinical examination—ultrasound or MRI is necessary to differentiate between tumor, infection, and degenerative nodules when the diagnosis is uncertain 1, 2