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'Punch' actinomycosis causing osteomyelitis of the hand
R J Blinkhorn1, V Strimbu, D Effron
1Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Metropolitan General Hospital 44109.
Archives of Internal Medicine
|December 1, 1988
Summary
Osseous actinomycosis, a rare bone infection, can occur in the hand after a punch injury. This condition, termed "punch actinomycosis," requires surgical cleaning and long-term penicillin treatment.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Microbiology
Background:
- Osseous actinomycosis typically arises from adjacent soft-tissue infections, commonly affecting the jaw and spine.
- Involvement of the hand and wrist bones is exceptionally rare in osseous actinomycosis.
- Actinomyces israelii is the primary etiologic agent, often identified by sulfur granules in pus.