A felon is an infection that occurs within the closed-space compartments of the fingertip pulp. Any injury to the fingertip may predispose to a felon, including minor cuts, foreign body penetrations, splinters, and paronychias. The most common bacteria associated with infection in a felon is Staphylococcus aureus. Felons are reasonably easy to identify and diagnose. Typically, the fingertip becomes swollen and erythematous, causing the patient to complain of intense throbbing pain. If the blood flow is compromised by compression from edema and pus formation, the surrounding tissues are at risk for ischemia. Treatment involves incision and drainage of the infected pulp space and oral antibiotics. If left undiagnosed or untreated, the underlying bone, joint, or tendons may become infected, leading to tissue destruction, spread of infection to adjacent structures, and systemic illness. Early intervention is crucial to prevent further complications and promote healing.This activity describes the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and management of felons, providing healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools to provide effective treatment and improve patient care for this clinical condition. Further, interdisciplinary team communication and collaboration are emphasized. By collaborating with an interprofessional team consisting of hand surgeons, infectious disease specialists, wound care nurses, and pharmacists, clinicians can enhance patient outcomes through comprehensive and coordinated care.
- Provider:StatPearls, LLC
- Activity Link: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/21670
- Start Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- End Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- Credit Details: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.0 hours
Nursing: 1.0 hours
Pharmacy: 1.0 hours - MOC Credit Details: ABS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABS)
ABOS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABOS)
ABPATH - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABPATH)
ABIM - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Medical Knowledge (ABIM)
ABS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABS)
ABP - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (ABP) - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: Variable
- Measured Outcome: Learner Knowledge, Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Directly Provided
- Registration: Open to all
- Specialty: Dermatopathology, General Orthopaedics, General Pediatrics, General Surgery, Hand Surgery, Internal Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Surgery of the Hand