{"id":599,"date":"2009-03-25T18:54:32","date_gmt":"2009-03-26T01:54:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wp.onegoodcookie.com\/?p=599"},"modified":"2013-02-22T15:51:17","modified_gmt":"2013-02-22T20:51:17","slug":"felon-incision-drainage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/insidesurgery.com\/2009\/03\/felon-incision-drainage\/","title":{"rendered":"Felon Incision and Drainage (Abscess at Tip of the Finger)"},"content":{"rendered":"
Felon incision and drainage is required for infection and abscess located in the pads of the fingertips.<\/p>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Streptococcal infections – these generally are treated with antibiotics<\/p>\n Cellulitis with abscess of localized prurulent collection.<\/p>\n History and physical <\/em>– this is important as the severity and extent of the infection can be partially determined by the precipitating event and duration and location of the infection.<\/p>\n When planning a felon incision and drainage, it must be remembered that infections in the volar surface (i.e., palm side) of the hand and finger somewhat paradoxically usually present with impressive swelling in the dorsal surface (i.e., back side). Incisions are only made in the dorsal surface if there is actual fluctuance appreciated.<\/p>\n Plain radiographs (X-rays)<\/em> – these are sometimes obtained to check for the presence of air in the finger tissues that might indicate anaerobic bacteria are involved requiring felon incision and drainage.<\/p>\n Computed tomography (CT)<\/em> – this is done rarely to ascertain proximal involvement of the abscess when planning felon incision and drainage.<\/p>\n Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)<\/em> – this test is extremely useful in diagnosis and treatment of hand conditions, including abscesses and infection and is the gold standard in imaging modalities of the hand. MRIs of the hand do not require contrast media. Surgeons planning felon abscess and drainage usually like to order this scan if possible.<\/p>\nContraindications<\/h4>\n
Diagnosis<\/h4>\n
Preoperative Work-up and Preparation<\/h4>\n