title: Septic arthritis of the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints of the hand.
abstract: Septic arthritis of the small joints of the hand is not reported frequently. Twenty-eight patients were treated during a 15-month period, from November 1992 to January 1994. Prompt surgical drainage, antibiotics, and early postoperative mobilization (within 24 hours) were the cornerstones of management. Nineteen patients were available for a median follow-up of 10 months. Patients who presented after 10 days all had a poor result. Patients who presented earlier achieved a good result unless they defaulted from treatment or had sustained an associated severe traumatic joint injury. Ten of the 19 patients obtained a good result. Good functional results can be obtained with early postoperative mobilization.
authors.affiliation: The Hand Unit, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town, South Africa.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Boustred
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Singer
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Hudson
authors.forename: G E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Bolitho
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D003646:Debridement; D004434:Early Ambulation; D005260:Female; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008662:Metacarpophalangeal Joint / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D016896:Treatment Outcome