Hand Infections eMedicine Plastics

Description: 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 necessary to exclude other associated medical conditions (eg, diabetes, arthritis, immunosuppression) that may compromise therapy. The history should ascertain the mechanism of injury, as this may provide some clues about the organism(s) most likely responsible for the infection. Radiographic evaluation may be indicated if the history and physical examination suggest a possibility of fracture, osteomyelitis, or foreign body.
Synonyms and related keywords: hand infections, herpetic whitlow, digital infection, paronychia, cellulitis, felon, bite wounds, web space infections, midpalmar space infection, pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, mycobacterial infections, viral infections, web space abscess, tenosynovitis, human bite, dog bite, cat bite
Author: Ramotsumi M Makhene, MD 2006