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Review of community-referred hand infections
Mohammad U Anwar1, Kalliroi Tzafetta, Stephen J Southern
1Department of Plastic Surgery & Burns, Pinderfields General Hospital, Wakefield, United Kingdom. umairanwar@tiscali.co.uk
Purpose:
A retrospective review is presented of 76 patients with infections of the hand, referred from the community and admitted to our plastic surgery unit for treatment over a 30 month period.
Methods:
Retrospective chart review and review of the pertinent English-language literature.
Results:
The majority of the patients (82%) were male. Most incidents leading to infection happened at home (47%). All except two patients presented with cellulitis, and 55% had abscess formation. The most common site of infection was the digits followed by the dorsum of the hand. The average time to operative drainage was 6 h. Only seven patients (9%) were managed non-operatively. The mean duration of follow up was 51 days. Age and positive cultures were good predictors of the hospital stay and the number of operative procedures, respectively.
Conclusions:
Hand infections are surgical emergencies; correct and prompt management thus is essential. A quick and effective regimen for treatment yielded good results.
Insights
Prompt management of hand infections is crucial. This study highlights that surgical intervention, particularly operative drainage, yields effective results for most patients, emphasizing the emergency nature of these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Hand Surgery
Background:
- Hand infections are common and can lead to significant morbidity.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the management of 76 patients with hand infections treated in a plastic surgery unit.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment regimens for hand infections.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 76 patients.
- Review of English-language literature on hand infections.
Main Results:
- Most patients were male (82%) and infections often occurred at home (47%).
- Cellulitis and abscess formation were common, with digits being the most frequent site.
- Operative drainage was performed in 91% of cases, with an average delay of 6 hours.
Conclusions:
- Hand infections are surgical emergencies requiring prompt and correct management.
- A rapid and effective treatment approach resulted in good outcomes for patients.
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