Osteomyelitis and septic arthritis complicating hand injuries and infections: pathogenesis of roentgenographic abnormalities
Resnick, D.
Journal of the Canadian Association of Radiologists 27(1): 21-28
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0008-2902 PMID: 932091 Document Number: 101330
Osteomyelitis and pyarthrosis may complicate hand injuries and soft-tissue infections, resulting in characteristic radiographic findings. Evaluation of 78 patients revealed bone or joint abnormalities in 10% of individuals. Distinct pathways are available for spread of bacteria which become lodged in the soft tissues of the hand. Such routes include tendon sheaths, fascial planes and lymphatics. An understanding or pertinent anatomy allows the radiologist to predict the site and pattern of soft tissue, articular and osseous alterations.