Courtesy: Prof Nabil Ebraheim, University of Toledo, Ohio, USA Felon (Infection of the Fingertip Pulp) Definition A felon is a localized abscess of the volar pulp of the fingertip Characterized by: Painful swelling Pus accumulation within pulp space Key Concept Fingertip pulp is compartmentalized — rapid pressure buildup during infection Cause and Mechanism Most […]
-Hand Infections
Kanavel’s Signs, Infection of the flexor tendons
Courtesy: Prof Nabil Ebraheim, University of Toledo, Ohio, USA Kanavel Signs (Flexor Tendon Sheath Infection) Definition Kanavel signs are a group of four clinical findings suggestive of: Pyogenic Flexor Tenosynovitis Clinical Significance Critical for early diagnosis of flexor tendon sheath infections Helps guide urgent management decisions The Four Kanavel Signs 1. Uniform Swelling of […]
Cat Scratch Disease and Cat Bites
Courtesy: Prof Nabil Ebraheim, University of Toledo, Ohio, USA Cat Bites and Cat-Scratch Disease Cat bites and cat-scratch disease are both associated with cats, but they are two distinct clinical entities. 1. Cat Bites Epidemiology Cat bites have a relatively high infection rate, approximately 30–50%. Dog bites are more common overall but have a lower […]
Hand Infections for the FRCSOrth
Courtesy: Sreenadh Gella, FRCSOrth, Birmingham, UK Hand Infections and Spaces of the Hand 1. Basic Concept The spaces of the hand are potential spaces that become clinically apparent when they contain: Infection Pathological fluid collection Tumour Reactive effusion Infections commonly begin as cellulitis. They may resolve spontaneously or progress to an abscess or deeper collection. […]
Kanavel’s Signs
Courtesy: Prof Nabil Ebraheim, University of Toledo, Ohio, USA
Felon involving the Hands
Courtesy: Prof Nabil Ebraheim, University of Toledo, Ohio, USA Felon 1. Definition A felon is an abscess of the fingertip pulp, usually involving the volar distal aspect of the finger. It commonly presents with: Severe pain Swelling Tenderness of the fingertip 2. Cause Usually follows penetrating trauma, such as: Needle prick Splinter Other penetrating […]
Paronychia involving the Fingers
Courtesy: Prof Nabil Ebraheim, University of Toledo, Ohio, USA Paronychia 1. Basic Concept Paronychia is an infection or inflammation of the nail fold. It can be classified into: Acute paronychia Chronic paronychia 2. Acute Paronychia Definition Acute paronychia is an acute infection of the nail fold. It is one of the common hand infections and […]
Herpetic Whitlow
Courtesy: Prof Nabil Ebraheim, University of Toledo, Ohio, USA Herpetic Whitlow Overview Herpetic whitlow is a viral infection of the finger, most commonly the fingertip Caused by: Herpes simplex virus infection Nature of Disease Usually: Self-limiting Resolves without major complications Causes and Transmission Occurs via direct contact with infected secretions Common Routes Contact with […]
Hand Infections – ABOS Orthopedic Surgery Board Exam Review
Courtesy: Stewart Elkowitz MD Assistant Clinical Professor, NYU Langone Orthopaedics Hand Infections — High-Yield Review 1. Common Organisms The most common organisms in hand infections are: Staphylococcus aureus Beta-hemolytic Streptococcus Staphylococcus aureus accounts for a large proportion of hand infections. Other organisms to consider include: Gram-negative bacteria Mycobacteria Fungal organisms Certain exposures suggest particular […]