The Infected Hand

Abstract

Americans not familiar with the British surgical literature of the past 15 years will find that this book puts forth concepts on the treatment of the infected hand which are new and practical. The basic principles, clearly stated, differ from older classical teachings mainly in that the timing of surgical intervention and the incisions used to drain abscesses are different. The author emphasizes that there are no standard surgical incisions in surgery of the infected hand. The book is divided into three sections. The first is concerned with general principles of care. In the diffuse stage a hand infection is managed by only rest, elevation, and antibiotic therapy. Heat in any form is not recommended. Drainage is undertaken only when there is evidence of localized abscess. There is a chapter on the technique of local anesthesia which the author believes suffices for drainage of most hand infections. The second section