Phalangeal Injuries, Hand
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- 1/3 of all traumatic injuries affect the hand.
- Phalanges account for 1 of the most frequently fractured parts of the skeletal system with the distal phalanx being the most commonly fractured bone in the hand.
- Dorsal displacement of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the finger is the most frequent dislocation.
Injuries may be more difficult to diagnose in children who are unable to cooperate for a full exam.
- Trauma (commonly work or sports related)
- Infectious sequelae:
- Skin flora: Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococci
- Cat/dog bites: S. aureus and Pasteurella multocida
- Human bites: Eikenella
- Thorns or woody plants puncture: Fungal
- Fresh/salt water exposure: Mycobacterium marinum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Overuse injury (e.g., “gamekeeper's thumb”)