Hand Injury : Fingertip Amputations
Soft tissue injuries to the fingertips are a common work-related hand injury. Any tissue loss can affect finger length, shape, and/or function. Preservation of function is the number one objective in the management of these injuries.
Tip amputations often occur as the result of carpentry accidents, or crushing injuries (e.g. a child who gets a finger caught in a closing door). Attention is paid to the viability (neurovascular integrity) of any remaining tissue that is STILL ATTACHED (completely detached fingertips are usually not reimplanted).
The decision to reimplant amputated tissue is based on the degree [and location] of injury, type of injury, condition of the amputated tissue (dirty and crushed), age, and general health of the patient. Some of these injuries may be reparable if the blood supply has not been seriously compromised.
Another important factor is the presence of exposed bone or fracture. If the bone is fractured, the risk of bone infection (osteomyelitis) will be greater. In summary, these wounds require special surgical management and IMMEDIATE medical attention is necessary.
IN ALL CASES BRING AMPUTATED TISSUE WITH YOU TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM.
Tetanus vaccination status MUST be within 5 years.
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