FELON

Question 1

Felon definition

Answer 1

Pulp space infection or subcutaneous abscess of fingertip pulp

Question 2

Most commonly affected digits with felon

Answer 2

Thumb and IF

Question 3

Aetiology of felon

Answer 3

1. Penetrating injury
2. Direct spread
   - paronychia
   - infected eccrine sweat gland

Question 4

Most common microorganisms with felon

Answer 4

1. Staph aureus = most common
2. Immunocompromised = Gram negative organisms
3. Nail biters = Eikenella corrodens

Question 5

Management of felon

Answer 5

Depends on fluctuance/ collection

1. No fluctuance = antibiotics
2. Fluctuance = surgical drainage and antibiotics

Question 6

Incision for surgical drainage of felon

Answer 6

Mid-lateral incision
Non-pressure bearing side of digit
- IF, MF and RF = ulnar side
- thumb and LF = radial side
Distal to DIP flexion crease 
- to prevent flexion crease contraction
- to avoid extension into DIPJ or tendon sheath