Hand Conditions and Deformities (Subscribe)  

Major resource on hand and wrist conditions. Requires registration.

Benign tumors of the hand may be categorized using the different anatomic subunits of the hand. Each subunit has potential for disease processes and abnormal growth. Notably, the musculoskeletal, vascular, osseous, perionychial, cutaneous, and soft tissue elements can develop benign lesions that may manifest as localized masses of the hand....

Felons are closed-space infections of the fingertip pulp.
Fingertip pulp is divided into numerous small compartments by vertical septa that stabilize the pad. Infection occurring within these compartments can lead to abscess formation, edema, and rapid development of increased pressure in a closed space. This increased pressure may compromise blood flow...

In 1939, Kanavel, author of the landmark Infections of the Hand, observed, "In almost all cases of serious infection the difficulty is to make a correct diagnosis both as to the nature of the infection and the position of the pus." Specific infections covered in this article include paronychia, felon,...

Hand infections can vary from routine problems (treated with oral antibiotics, immobilization, and limited incision and drainage)1 to catastrophic surgical emergencies (resulting in significant compromise of hand function). The purpose of this article is to provide a systematic approach to the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of hand infections.
Synonyms and related...

Most hand infections are bacterial and are the result of minor wounds that have been neglected. Human bite wounds are the second most common cause of hand infections. Hematogenous spread of infection from other sites to the hand is rare but can occur. A complete history and physical examination is...

Herpetic whitlow is an intense painful infection of the hand involving 1 or more fingers that typically affects the terminal phalanx. Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is the cause in approximately 60% of cases of herpetic whitlow, and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is the cause in the remaining 40%.
Adamson...

Flexor tenosynovitis (FT) is a pathophysiologic state causing disruption of normal flexor tendon function in the hand. A variety of etiologies are responsible for this process. Most acute cases of FT are the result of infection. However, FT also can be secondary to acute or chronic inflammation as a result...

Osteoarthritis of the hand preferentially involves the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint and the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint of the thumb.1 The proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint is affected less commonly.
The term "osteoarthritis" has been used in the past to describe degenerative changes in the articular cartilage. However, a more descriptive term might...

A paronychia is a superficial infection of epithelium lateral to the nail plate. The acute painful purulent infection is most frequently caused by staphylococci. The patient's condition and discomfort are markedly improved by a simple drainage procedure.
A paronychial infection usually starts in the lateral nail fold. Occasionally, the infection includes...

Wrist pain often proves to be a challenging presenting complaint. Determining the cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain is difficult, largely because of the complexity of the anatomic and biomechanical properties of the ulnar wrist.1, 2 The objectives of this article are to provide an overview of the most common problems that...