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 Bite Injuries and Cat Scratch Disease Overview Cat bite injuries and cat scratch disease are distinct clinical conditions Cat bites: Higher infection risk than dog bites Dog bites: More common overall Infection Rates Cat bites: 30–50% infection rate Dog bites: 2–5% infection rate Demographics […]
Hand Infections for the FRCSOrth
Courtesy: Sreenadh Gella, FRCSOrth, Birmingham, UK Hand Space Infections Overview Hand infections may involve potential anatomical spaces These spaces become clinically evident only when filled with: Pus Fluid Inflammatory exudate Disease Progression May begin as cellulitis Can: Resolve with treatment Progress to abscess formation High-Risk Patients Diabetes mellitus Intravenous drug use Immunosuppression Anatomical Classification […]
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 (Fingertip Pulp Infection) Definition A felon is a localized abscess of the volar pulp of the fingertip Typically presents with: Pain Swelling Tenderness Key Concept It is a compartmental infection of the fingertip pulp Causes Usually due to direct bacterial inoculation Common Causes Needle […]
Paronychia involving the Fingers
Courtesy: Prof Nabil Ebraheim, University of Toledo, Ohio, USA Paronychia (Infection of the Nail Fold) Overview Paronychia is an infection involving: Nail fold surrounding fingernail or toenail One of the most common hand infections Types Acute paronychia Chronic paronychia Key Point These two types differ in: Cause Presentation Treatment Acute Paronychia Definition Acute, rapidly […]
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 Common Causative Organisms Most Common Pathogens Staphylococcus aureus infection Beta-hemolytic Streptococcus Key Facts ~60% of hand infections — Staphylococcus aureus Increasing incidence of: MRSA Other Organisms Gram-negative bacteria Mycobacteria Fungal organisms Polymicrobial Infections Common in: Farm injuries Animal bites Immunocompromised patients Organisms […]