Hand infections: basic principles and management.

BACKGROUND

An untreated hand infection can lead rapidly to tissue destruction and permanent disability.

METHODS

Review of the pertinent English literature.

RESULTS

Early diagnosis and timely, effective intervention is crucial to treatment. Anatomically, the hand consists of multiple potential spaces and tissue planes that can become infected with a wide variety of organisms. Thus, a working knowledge of hand anatomy as well as pharmalogical therapies is imperative for successful management.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge of the basic principles of hand care, relevant anatomy, infectious organisms, and clinical signs of an unusually aggressive infection greatly improves treatment efficacy.