Fingertip Injuries: A Review and Update on Management

Description
Fingertip injuries are among the most common injuries seen in the emergency department. Specific considerations in management include ensuring robust soft-tissue coverage over exposed bone or tendon, maximizing functional length, preserving nail function and appearance, and minimizing chronic pain. Bony injuries are generally managed non-operatively, although select operative indications exist-particularly for jersey finger injuries, unstable fractures, or those with significant translation....
Faculty
Jeffrey Friedrich, MD
Erin Miller, MD
GUID
pubmed:39602800
Link
Fingertip Injuries: A Review and Update on Management
Publication Date
Source
Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Summary
Fingertip injuries are one of the most frequent reasons people visit the emergency department, making it important for clinicians to understand the best approaches to treatment. The goals of treatment include preserving the length and function of the finger, ensuring that exposed bone or tendon is adequately covered by soft tissue, maintaining a normal-looking nail, and preventing long-term pain. Bone injuries in the fingertip are usually treated without surgery, though certain situations—such as unstable fractures or injuries to the tendon that flexes the finger—may require an operation. Injuries to the nail bed can be addressed through simple procedures like draining blood from beneath the nail or more involved repairs depending on the severity of tissue damage. When soft tissue needs to be replaced or covered, surgeons can use a range of techniques including allowing the wound to heal on its own, using skin grafts, or repositioning nearby tissue flaps, with most patients achieving good functional and cosmetic outcomes when managed appropriately.