osteomyelitis (hand)
Last reviewed 01/2018
Osteomyelitis is rare and usually secondary to spread from an existing focus in a local structure.
Surgical drainage is necessary if a sequestrum is visible with radiography; it may reoccur after primary drainage and necessitate secondary exploration. Antibiotic cover is mandatory.
In the absence of sequestrum, intravenous then oral antibiotics are required for at least six weeks.
Septic arthritis is a dangerous sequel of hand osteomyelitis.