Infections of the Hand, injection injuries-Acute Hand Infections

Acute Hand Infections

Pdf Summary

Acute hand infections are a major concern due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the lack of new classes of antibiotics. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications such as hand stiffness, contractures, and amputation. The most common site of hand infections is the subcutaneous tissue, and trauma is the most common cause. Patients with immunocompromised states, intravenous drug abuse, diabetes mellitus, and steroid use are at higher risk for infections. Cellulitis, paronychia, felon, herpes whitlow, human bites, and animal bites are examples of common types of acute hand infections. Treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics and surgical intervention. Superficial infections can often be treated with antibiotics alone, while deep or severe infections usually require surgical debridement and irrigation in addition to antibiotics. Other specific types of hand infections discussed in the document include pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis, necrotizing fasciitis, septic arthritis, and osteomyelitis. Different types of infections require different approaches to treatment, including choice of antibiotics and duration of treatment. The document also provides information on diagnosing and managing specific infections, as well as factors that can increase the risk of complications or poor outcomes.

Keywords

acute hand infections

antibiotic-resistant bacteria

new classes of antibiotics

prompt diagnosis

treatment

hand stiffness

contractures

amputation

subcutaneous tissue

trauma