Do You Really Need a Hand Surgeon? Hand Masses and Infections

Hand masses and infections are commonly encountered by the community orthopaedic specialist, and maintaining an understanding of these ailments is important for diagnosis, treatment, and possible referral to a hand specialist. Hand masses are common, and it is important to provide the community orthopaedic specialist the knowledge needed for appropriate diagnostic workup and treatment as well as an understanding of when to refer to a hand specialist. Hand masses arise from soft tissue or bone. Specific types include ganglion cysts, mucoid cysts, giant cell tumors of the tendon sheath, lipomas, epidermal inclusions cysts, glomus tumors, and malignancies. Hand infections are also common, and their level of acuity can vary. It is important to define which infections necessitate urgent management and are associated with a risk of significant morbidity and mortality. From superficial cellulitis to deep space infections, it is important to provide an understanding of hand anatomy needed for appropriate treatment.