Operative Pediatric Hand Infections: A Retrospective Review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Infections in the pediatric population are a less well studied topic in hand surgery. Crucial aspects of the management of pediatric hand infections differ from adults, though much of current treatment is generalized from adult care. The objective of this study was to evaluate our clinical experience with regard to the epidemiology, management, and outcomes of pediatric hand infections requiring operative intervention. METHODS: A 7-year retrospective chart review was performed of all pediatric patients who required operative intervention for hand infections at Texas Children’s Hospital. Clinical information was collected and analyzed, including demographics, infection characteristics, management, and outcomes. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients met the inclusion criteria for our study over the 7-year period. Of these, 7% (n = 4) had a pre-existing diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, and 5% (n = 3) had a recent history of upper extremity infections. The most common infection was noted to be a discrete abscess, whereas urgent/emergent conditions represented 21% (n = 12) of infections. Radiographic changes thought to be consistent with osteomyelitis were present in nearly one-quarter of patients (n = 13, 23%). The median length of hospital stay was 3 days (95% CI, 1.0), and the most common pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus (n = 33, 58%), with slightly more being methicillin sensitive than resistant (n = 19, 33% versus n = 14, 25%). The incidence of reoperation was found to be 12.5% (n = 7). CONCLUSIONS: Hand infections are a common problem in the pediatric population. Cases tend to be associated with accidental trauma and discrete abscesses colonized by MSSA/MRSA. The vast majority of cases require only one operation and a short course of wound care prior to discharge.