Secondary healing of fingertip amputations: a review

Abstract

Most literature on fingertips reviews new surgical techniques of coverage while many surgeons prefer the results of secondary healing. This article reviews the current best evidence and concepts about secondary healing in fingertip injuries.

Keywords: Conservative management of fingertip injury; Fingertip amputation; Fingertip injury; Fingertip secondary healing.

Figures

Fig. 1

Materials required to treat fingertip injuries: (1) petrolatum jelly (Vaseline or antibiotic ointment) to prevent the wound from drying and dying, (2) cotton-tipped applicators or wooden stir sticks to apply the Vaseline to the Coban and remove excessive Vaseline from the fingertip with daily cleaning after the shower, and (3) Coban tape which is applied directly to the wound over a layer of Vaseline

Fig. 2

Removing the excessive Vaseline or antibiotic ointment at the time of the daily shower

Fig. 3

Finger with Coban dressing illustrating range of motion

Fig. 4

a, b Typical fingertip injury with exposed bone. c Fingertip in a at 8 weeks after injury. d, e Range of motion of fingertip in Fig. 4a at 8 weeks