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. 2023 Feb 18;14(2):85-89.
doi: 10.5312/wjo.v14.i2.85.

New classification for septic arthritis of the hand

Konstantin V Lipatov  1 , Arthur Asatryan  2 , George Melkonyan  3 , Aleksandr D Kazantcev  4 , Ekaterina I Solov'eva  5 , Irina V Gorbacheva  5 , Alexander S Vorotyntsev  5 , Andrey Y Emelyanov  5
Affiliations

New classification for septic arthritis of the hand

Konstantin V Lipatov et al. World J Orthop. .

Abstract

The severity of septic arthritis of the hand and the prospects for restoration of joint function are determined by a complex of factors. Among them, the leading role belongs to local changes in tissue structures. This includes the destruction of articular cartilage and bone tissue with the development of osteomyelitis, the involvement of paraarticular soft tissues in the purulent process, and the destruction of the flexor/extensor tendons of the fingers. The currently missing specialized classification of septic arthritis could help in systematizing the diseases, determining treatment tactics, and predicting the results of treatment. The classification of septic arthritis of the hand proposed for discussion is based on the following principle: Joint-Wound-Tendon (JxWxTx); Jx characterizes damage to the osteochondral structures of the joint, Wx is the presence of paraarticular purulent wounds or fistulas, and Tx is destruction of the flexor/extensor tendons of the finger. The classification of the diagnosis makes it possible to assess the nature and severity of damage to the structures of the joint and may also be useful when comparing the results of treatment of septic arthritis of the hand.

Keywords: Classification; Hand; Osteomyelitis; Paraarticular wounds; Septic arthritis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
New classification for septic arthritis of the hand. JxWxTx: Joint−Wound−Tendon.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Septic arthritis of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the index finger (J1W0T0). A: Hand after repeated treatment; B: X-ray.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint of the index finger (J1W1T1). A: During hospitalization; B: X-ray.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Septic arthritis of the 2nd metacarpophalangeal joint of the right hand (J0W2T1). A: During hospitalization; B: X-ray.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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