[Hand infections. Part 1: General and superficial hand infections]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Infectious Diseases

Context:

• Hand and wrist infections are frequently encountered in clinical practice by both generalist and specialist orthopedic surgeons.
• These infections present a wide clinical spectrum, ranging from superficial, easily managed cases to deep, potentially life- and limb-threatening conditions such as necrotizing fasciitis.

Purpose:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of general principles and common superficial hand infections.
• To discuss the diverse range of pathogens implicated in hand infections, including viruses, fungi, parasites, mycoplasma, bacteria, and mycobacteria.

Summary:

• The review addresses the broad scope of hand infections, emphasizing their commonality in orthopedic practice.
• It details the spectrum of clinical presentations and the variety of etiological agents involved.
• The continuous exposure of hands to the environment is noted as a significant factor contributing to infection risk.

Impact:

• Enhances understanding of hand infection diagnosis and management for clinicians.
• Underscores the importance of recognizing the spectrum of severity in hand infections.
• Provides a foundational resource for orthopedic surgeons and hand specialists dealing with hand infections.