Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
dactylitis
Pronunciation: dak-tuh-LY-tis
Inflammation of an entire digit causing uniform swelling, often called 'sausage digit'.
Full Definition
Dactylitis involves inflammation of the flexor tendon sheaths, joint synovium, and periarticular soft tissues of a finger or toe, resulting in uniform swelling of the entire digit. In pediatric rheumatology, it is most commonly associated with psoriatic arthritis and enthesitis-related arthritis. The clinical appearance resembles a sausage, leading to the colloquial term 'sausage digit' or 'sausage finger.'
Usage
Usage note: Describe location specifically (e.g., 'dactylitis of the second toe') rather than using colloquial terms in formal reports.
In Context
- "The presence of dactylitis in the third toe suggested enthesitis-related arthritis." — Physical examination findings
- "Bilateral dactylitis affecting multiple digits was noted on presentation." — Emergency department assessment
Also known as
sausage digit
sausage finger
digit inflammation
Don't confuse with
digital arthritis
tenosynovitis