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Fingertip Injuries

Fingertip Injuries

Fingertip Injuries: Causes, Evaluation, and Treatment

Fingertip injuries encompass a wide range of damage to the skin, bone, nail, nail bed, tendon, or the pulp of the fingertip. These injuries can affect both the functionality and appearance of the finger, often requiring immediate care to prevent complications.

Evaluating a Fingertip Injury

The way in which the injury occurred and any pre-existing medical conditions are crucial factors in determining the most effective treatment. Your hand doctor will:

  • Examine the extent and size of the tissue injury.
  • Assess the sensation and circulation in the fingertip.
  • Check the mobility of the fingertip, as tendon injuries can affect the ability to bend or straighten the finger.
  • Possibly perform an X-ray to determine if the bone has been injured.
Fingertip Injury Treatment

For fingertip injuries, treatment will depend on the severity of the damage.

  • Minor injuries: If only the skin is affected and the defect is less than a centimeter in diameter, treatment may involve simple dressing changes.
  • Exposure of bone: If the injury exposes bone, your doctor may trim the bone back slightly and treat it with a dressing.
  • Larger skin defects: In cases where more significant skin loss occurs, skin grafting may be necessary. Smaller grafts can be taken from the little finger side of the hand, while larger grafts may be harvested from the forearm or groin.

Due to the fingertip’s highly sensitive and specialized skin, restoring full function and sensation can be a complex process, but with the proper treatment, many injuries can heal successfully.

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