Upper extremity wound management: intermediate infections.

A careful history and physical examination, including information regarding position of the hand at the time of injury, presence of other disease, handedness, age, and occupation, are all essential to evaluate hand infection. If surgery is anticipated, antibiotics should generally be withheld until operative cultures are obtained. Infections secondary to human bite injuries are common and are usually caused by a blow of the fist to the mouth. These injuries can produce crippling sequelae, must be managed promptly and aggressively, and often require surgery. Flexor tenosynovitis, often caused by a penetrating injury, may be treated nonoperatively if the patient presents within 24 to 48 hours of onset. Older injuries always require incision and drainage of the flexor tendon sheath. Most authors agree that surgical management of dog bite wounds to the hand is essential. Cat and arthropod bites may also require surgery.