Hand Finger Nail and Tip Injuries eMedicine Plastics

Description: As the terminal extension of the fingers and hand, the fingertips are the portions of the upper extremity through which we touch, feel, write, draw, and perform activities of daily living. With the advent of new technology, our dependence on our fingertips for everyday living continues to increase, as we more often surf the internet, program handheld organizers, operate the TV remote control, or research topics in online journals.
Successful treatment of fingertip injuries depends on many considerations, including patient age, sex, occupation, and the anatomy of the fingertip defect. An algorithm to the treatment of fingertip injuries is reviewed below to assist in the management of these injuries.
Wilhelmi & Neumeister 2006