Management of peripheral injuries of the finger

Abstract

The treatment of acute peripheral finger injuries is part of the daily routine of surgeons in emergency departments. This article presents the most common forms of peripheral finger injuries and the specific diagnostic and therapeutic aspects. The injuries include incision and tear injuries, injuries to the nailbed, distal extensor tendon injuries, severed flexor tendons of the distal joint, bite injuries, high-pressure injection injuries and amputation injuries of the distal phalanx of fingers. For the latter, the form, level and height of the amputation are decisive for therapy. Soft tissue defects on the extensor and flexor side of the finger are also common for emergency surgeons. The basic principles of the initial management of peripheral soft tissue injuries of the hand involve the reconstruction of tendons and nerves and soft tissue coverage. Pathogenic organisms are detectable in more than 80% of bite wounds so that prophylaxis and therapy of infections are of special importance. An adjuvant antibiotic therapy is necessary for infections as well as for high-pressure injection injuries. It is also important for the treating physician to recognize when a hand surgeon must be involved.