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Deep Space   Hand  infections

6/12/2015

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HPI: Teenage  RHD healthy male presented initially to PCP with blister to left hand from playing baseball. Small blister incised and culture sent which eventually grew out MRSA and he was started on bactrim. On follow up 4 days later swelling worsened with worsening surrounding erythema. Denied fevers ,chills or other symptoms. Denied insect, spider or other exposures. Admitted for IV antibiotics and ortho hand consultation.

Exam: 
afebrile, vitals normal
2+ radial pulse, cap refill < 2 sec
SILT throughout hand and digits
Flexion/Extension/adduction/abduction intact and notable only for mild pain with flexion of thumb, area of fluctuance to radial aspect of palm extending from mid palm around to dosal aspect of 1st and 2nd digits; see picture
Picture
Picture
Imaging:
  • Plain films-if suspect foreign body
  • MRI-can provide information on extent of infection

Management:
Orthopedic hand consultation
Admission for IV antibiotics
  •  Unasyn-DOC
  • Ancef- alternative option
  • Vancomycin- if septicemia
  • Gentamicin- if penicillin allergic

Anatomy:
3 main deep spaces: potential spaces separated by fascial septum
  • Thenar-bursa palmar to adductor pollicis and dorsal to flexor tendons
  • Deep Palmar-dorsal and radial to hypothenar space
  • Hypothenar-palmar from 5th metacarpal

Key Points:
  • Deep space infections include thenar (most common), hypothenar, midpalmar (rare)
  • Collar button abscess-between webspace of fingers
  • Exam reveals pain, swelling, pain with finger flexion
  • Differential Dx: paronychia, felon, flexor tenosynovitis
  • Imaging-xray for foreign body if suspected, consider MRI 
  • Consult orthopedic hand
  • Admission for IV antibiotics (unasyn DOC, alternatives include ancef, vancomycin, gentamicin


By: Dr Bryon Callahan
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  • Prospective Applicants
    • 2020 MATCH
    • About CMC
    • Our Curriculum
    • Our Residents
    • Our Fellowships
    • Program Leadership
    • Explore Charlotte
    • Official Site
  • ROTATING STUDENTS
    • Prospective Visiting Students
    • UNC Students
    • Healthcare Disparities Externship
    • Current Students
  • Current Residents
    • Airway Lecture!
    • PGY - 1
    • PGY - 2
    • PGY - 3
    • Simulation Reading
    • Blogs >
      • EM GuideWire
      • CMC ECG Masters
      • Core Concepts
      • #FOAMed
      • Cardiology Blog
      • Dr. Patel's Coding Blog
      • Global Health Blog
      • Ortho Blog
      • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
      • Tox Blog
    • Board Review
    • Journal Club
    • Resident Wellness
    • Resident Research
  • Top 20
  • Chiefs Corner
    • Schedules >
      • Conference/Flashpoint
      • Block Schedule
      • ED Shift Schedule
      • AEC Moonlighting
      • Journal Club/OBP/Audits Schedule
      • Simulation
    • Individualized Interactive Instruction
    • Evaluations/Interview Season
    • Contact Info
    • Resume Builder