Pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis (PFT) is an aggressive closed-space infection that can result in severe morbidity. Although surgical treatment of PFT has been widely described, the role of antibiotic therapy is inadequately understood. We conducted a literature review of studies reporting on acute PFT management. Twenty-eight case series articles were obtained, all of which used surgical intervention with varied use of antibiotics. Inconsistencies amongst the studies limited summative statistical analysis. Our results showed that use of antibiotics as a component of therapy resulted in improved range of motion outcomes (54% excellent vs. 14% excellent), as did using catheter irrigation rather than open washout (71% excellent vs. 26% excellent). These studies showed benefits of early treatment of PFT and of systemic antibiotic use. As broad-spectrum antibiotics have changed the management of other infectious conditions, we must more closely evaluate consistent antibiotic use in PFT management.

A high-dose antioxidant protocol resulted in a 28% relative risk reduction in mortality and a significant reduction in both hospital and ICU length of stay. This protocol represents an inexpensive intervention to reduce mortality/morbidity in the trauma patient.

Methods for measuring outcomes after hand and upper extremity surgery continue to evolve, but remain inconsistent in quality. This article reviews the use of patient-reported outcomes measures in patients having upper extremity surgery, and provides a practical guide to questionnaire selection, assessment, and use. It also presents the future direction of health services research, and how it will drive changes in measuring outcomes in hand surgery.

Risk, II.