ABSTRACT
This chapter will discuss the diagnosis and treatment of acute traumatic injuries (including sharp lacerations and crush injuries), burns, and infections. Special attention will be given to emergent conditions including bleeding, pyogenic infections, and compartment syndrome. The delayed presentation of acute trauma or burns can be complicated by acute or chronic infections. The same principles of treating infections apply in these conditions. We will also discuss the diagnosis and treatment of late sequelae of trauma and burns. These include scar contractures, joint stiffness and malalignment, malunions, nonunions, and chronic wounds. The diagnosis and treatment of these conditions will be considered in the setting of underserved populations.
A basic knowledge of hand anatomy is critical for diagnosis and treatment. This point cannot be overemphasized. With adequate knowledge of anatomy, the practitioner needs very few additional diagnostic studies to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. Indeed, there are few circumstances in which the examination distal to
