HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Abrams, R. Articles by Botte, M. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Abrams, R. Articles by Botte, M.

Hand Infections: Treatment Recommendations for Specific Types

Orthopedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), School of Medicine; Hand and Microvascular Surgery Service, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, UCSD Medical Center; Hand and Microvascular Surgery Service, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Veterans Administration Hospital, San Diego.

Hand infections can be associated with considerable morbidity. Expeditious treatment is needed to minimize permanent dysfunction, loss of work, and medical cost. Hand infections can affect the skin, subcutaneous tissues, fascia, subfascial and synovial spaces, joints, and bone. Pathogens include a variety of bacteria, viruses, yeasts, fungi, and mycoplasmata. Management frequently involves rest, elevation, incision and drainage, and appropriate antibiotic therapy. The orthopaedic surgeon must be knowledgeable about the pertinent anatomy and how this influences the behavior of specific types of infections, the role of immunocompromise, and the importance of early mobilization.