FINGERTIP INJURY |
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General Information
DEFINITION--Fingertip injuries include:
Contusion or bruise with hemorrhage under the fingernail or in the tip of the finger.
Lacerated fingernail.
Avulsion injury (tearing away of part of the fingertip).
BODY PARTS INVOLVED
Last phalanx (section of bone) of any finger or thumb.
Skin on finger.
Fingernail.
Blood vessels, nerves, tendons, ligaments, subcutaneous tissue and connective tissue.
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SIGNS & SYMPTOMSFingertip injuries may include any of these signs:
Pain in the fingertip.
Torn fingernail.
Jagged cut in the tip of the finger.
Tearing away (avulsion of a part) of the fingertip.
Crushed or broken bone in the fingertip.
Numbness if the nerve is damaged.
Bleeding under the fingernail or external bleeding.
Swelling of the fingertip.
Bruising of the injured fingertip.
CAUSES
Direct violence to the fingertip.
Crushing blow to the fingertip.
Jamming of the fingertip, as happens when catching balls.
RISK INCREASES WITH
Contact sports such as football or baseball.
Sports with bats or balls moving at high speed.
HOW TO PREVENTNo preventive measures.
WHAT TO EXPECT
APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE
Self-care for mild injury.
Doctor's treatment for serious injuries.
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Description of circumstances of injury to a doctor for serious injuries.
Physical exam by doctor to establish a diagnosis. Your doctor will need a description of the circumstances of injury.
X-rays of the hand to disclose the extent of injury and to rule out fractures.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Excessive bleeding.
Loss of function in the fingertip from damage to tissue, the fingernail, nerve endings or bone.
Arthritic changes in any finger joint injured simultaneously.
Prolonged disability if the injured finger is used before healing is complete.
Inflammation at the tendon's attachment to bone (periostitis).
PROBABLE OUTCOME
Contusions: Complete healing in 2 to 3 weeks.
Lacerated fingernails: Injured nail usually requires surgical removal in a hospital or hospital outpatient facility. Expect complete healing in about 3 weeks if no complications occur.
Avulsion injuries: Probably requires surgical repair or skin grafting. Allow 6 weeks for healing.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
FIRST AIDUse instructions for R.I.C.E., the first letters of REST, ICE, COMPRESSION and ELEVATION. See Appendix 1 for details.
CONTINUING CARE
CARE AFTER SURGERY TO REPAIR A DAMAGED FINGERTIP:
Keep the hand elevated to relieve pain and throbbing.
Change bandages frequently. Keep bandages dry between baths. If the bandage gets wet, change it promptly.
IF A CAST IS REQUIRED:
Do not allow pressure on any part of the cast until it is completely dry. Drying time varies, depending on the thickness of the cast, temperature and humidity.
If the cast gets wet and a soft area appears, return to your doctor's office to have it repaired.
Whenever possible, raise the hand. Propping on pillows will keep swelling and discomfort at a minimum.
MEDICATIONYour doctor may prescribe:
Pain relievers. Don't take prescription pain medication longer than 4 to 7 days. Use only as much as you need.
Antibiotics to fight infection.
You may use non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen for minor pain.
ACTIVITY
Resume work and normal activity as soon as possible.
Avoid vigorous exercise for 6 weeks following surgery.
Resume driving when your doctor determines that healing is complete.
DIETDuring recovery from surgery, eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs.
REHABILITATIONSee section on rehabilitation exercises.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
Any of the following occurs:
Severe, persistent pain under the cast.
Color change, coldness or numbness in tissues beyond the cast.
Tissue swelling greater than before the cast was applied.
Signs of infection (headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever).
Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding in the surgical area.
New, unexplained symptoms. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
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