Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Diagnostic and Management of Hand Infection.

This study is reviewing how doctors diagnose and treat common hand infections, such as whitlows, tendon infections, and joint infections. Hand infections are very common, but how best to identify and manage them isn't always clear. This research is important because it will help doctors in a specialist UK hospital understand the different types of hand infections they see, the tests they use, and how well treatments like antibiotics or surgery work. By looking back at patient records from the last ten years, the study aims to find the most effective ways to treat these infections and improve care for all patients.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Hospices Civils de Lyon

Enrolment target

1,400

Start

01 Sep 2024

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2025

Hand Infections Including Whitlows Tendinous Infections Septic Arthritis

What is this study about?

Imagine you get an infection in your hand, perhaps after a small cut or a bite. While hand infections are quite common, doctors don't always agree on the best way to diagnose and treat them. This can lead to different approaches in different hospitals.

This study is looking back at records from a specialist hospital to understand how hand infections have been treated over the past ten years. They are interested in all sorts of hand infections, from common problems like whitlows (a type of infection near the fingernail) to more serious issues like infections in the tendons (which connect muscles to bones) or joints (where bones meet).

The main goal is to gather information on how these infections are currently identified, what types of germs typically cause them, and which treatments (like antibiotics or surgery) have been most successful. By doing this, the researchers hope to create clearer guidelines for doctors, ensuring that patients with hand infections receive the best possible care and recover quickly.

Key takeaways

The study focuses on understanding past hand infection treatments.
It reviews existing patient records, not new patients.
Aims to improve diagnosis and treatment for future hand infection patients.
Looks at common infections like whitlows, tendon, and joint infections.
Your direct involvement is not required as it's a review of past data.
All patient information is handled confidentially.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking at information from adult patients who have already been treated for a hand infection at a specific specialist hospital in the UK. This means you do not need to do anything to join the study directly. The researchers will be looking at existing medical records.

They are interested in adults aged 18 and over who received care for common hand infections, such as whitlows, infections affecting the tendons in the hand, or infections in the hand's joints. These records must be from treatments given between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2023.

However, if a patient's hand infection also involved a bone infection (called osteomyelitis), their records will not be included in this specific review.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Were you 18 years or older when you were treated?
Did you receive treatment for a hand infection at a specialist UK hospital between January 2014 and December 2023?
Did your hand infection involve a whitlow, a tendon infection, or a joint infection?
Did your hand infection NOT involve a bone infection (osteomyelitis)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

As this study is looking at past medical records, you would not need to take part directly. There are no visits, assessments, medication, or follow-up required for patients whose records are being reviewed. The total duration of your participation would be zero, as the information is gathered from your completed medical history.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct benefits or risks to you if your past medical records are included in this study, as you are not actively participating. Your care has already been completed. The potential benefit is that the information gathered will help doctors better understand hand infections, leading to improved diagnosis and treatment for future patients. All personal information will be kept confidential, and your right to privacy is protected.

Locations (1)

HCL - Hôpital Edouard Herriot
Verified postcode
Lyon, France

Common questions

What kinds of hand infections are being looked at?

The study includes various hand infections such as whitlows (finger infections), tendon infections, and joint infections in the hand.

Will I have to do anything if my records are used?

No, you don't need to do anything. The researchers are only looking at existing medical records from past patients.

Will my personal data be kept private?

Yes, all patient information included in the study will be kept confidential and handled according to strict privacy rules.

Why is this research important?

It helps doctors understand how best to diagnose and treat hand infections, which can lead to better care for patients in the future.

Who is conducting this study?

This study is being conducted by researchers at a specialist hospital in the UK. They are reviewing their own patient records.