Fingertip injuries are one of the more common injuries in the hand. The fingertips are vulnerable to cuts, tears, and crushing injuries that can damage the skin, soft tissues, nail or nailbed. Fingertips are rich with nerve endings and extremely sensitive which makes fingertip injuries extremely painful. These types of injuries can occur when a fingertip is slammed in a car door, while chopping vegetables, or even when clearing debris from a lawnmower or snowblower.
How our orthopedic hand doctors will treat a fingertip injury depends on the angle of the cut and the extent of the injury. Superficial cuts usually heal well with conservative treatment including wound care, bandages, and topical medications. Deeper cuts may require stitches to close the wound. In some cases, fingertip injuries may require microsurgical repair.
If the fingertip has been completely cut off, clean the amputated part with water, cover with gauze and place in a ziplock bag. Place the bag on ice and go to the emergency room taking the ziplock bag with you. A hand surgeon should evaluate all fingertip amputations. The hand surgeons at Emory Orthopaedic & Spine Center specialize in reconstructive surgery in the hand.
If you have questions, or to make an appointment, call: 404-778-3350.
