With the accumulation of pus in flexor tendon sheath infections, pressure can increase within the closed-space compounds of the flexor tendon sheath, thus inhibiting the inflammatory response. In one study, eight of 14 patients with flexor tendon sheath infections had hand tendon sheath pressure in excess of 30 mg Hg. The increased pressure also inhibits blood flow and adds to the destructive process. Tendon ischemia increases the likelihood of tendon necrosis and rupture.