Fingertip injuries: Does administration of antibiotics give benefits? A double-blind randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Adequate debridement and defect closure is an important treatment in fingertip injuries in addition to administration of antibiotic. However, administration of anitibiotics remains controversial whether it necessary for fingertip injuries that have been treated with adequate debridement and defect closure. The goal of study is to assess the differences of infection rate between subgroups with administration of antibiotics and without antibiotic in FTI treated by debridement and simple defect closure. METHODS: The study design was a double-blind randomized clinical trial. Data collection was carried out at Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta and Tangerang Regency Hospital, Banten, in July 2022-February 2023. The target population of this study were adult patients with Fingertip injuries that treated by debridement and simple defect closures with antibiotics administration and without antibiotic. Infection was assessed at day-7, 14, and 21 follow-up. RESULTS: There were 31 FTI subjects with 41 fingers affected. The number of male subjects was 27 people and female subjects 4 people. The most affected finger was the little finger (12 fingers, 30.8%), with most type of Allen classification was type IV (18 fingers, 43.90%), most procedure performed was primary suture (24 fingers, 58.54%). 15 subjects randomized to antibiotic group and 16 subjects to no-antibiotic group. There was 1 subject of antibiotic group and 1 subject of no-antibiotic group has infection. There are no significant differences between two groups. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences of infection rate between antibiotics administration and without antibiotic in FTI cases that treated by debridement and simple defect closures.

The reconstruction of fingertip injury by mini hallux toenail flap pedicled with the hallux transverse artery and toe pulp vein transplantation technique based on the equivalent design theory.

INTRODUCTION: How to reconstruct the damaged fingertip is a clinical problem. Our team propose the theory of equivalent design and use the mini toenail flap pedicled with the hallux transverse artery and toe pulp vein transplantation technique to reconstruct Allen's type II fingertip injury. Thus, we perform the retrospective study to evaluate the effects of this technique on fingertip injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 56 patients admitted to our hospital from January 2015 to January 2020 who used equivalently designed miniature hallux toenail flaps for the plastic repair of fingertip damage. We recorded the size of the miniature hallux toenail flap, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and complications and calculated the survival rate of the transplanted miniature hallux toenail flap. During routine follow-up after surgery, we recorded nail growth time and observed finger appearance. At the last time of follow-up, we recorded Semmes-Weinstein evaluating tactile sensation and Two-point discrimination testing (TPD). The efficacy was evaluated by Zook score evaluation. RESULTS: The size of the mini hallux toenail flap was 0.71 cm × 1.22 cm to 0.88 cm × 1.71 cm. The operation time was (3.54 ± 0.58) hours, the intraoperative blood loss was (20.66 ± 4.87) ml, and the survival rate of mini hallux toenail flaps was 100%. The postoperative follow-up time was (30.82 ± 11.21) months, and the total nail growth time was (9.68 ± 2.11) months. The average tactile sensation evaluated by the Semmes-Weinstein test was (0.32 ± 0.14) g, and the average TPD was (7.33 ± 1.02) mm. According to Zook score, the curative effect of fifty-six cases were all excellent or good with 100% excellent and good rate, and all patients had beautiful appearances and good function of damaged fingertips. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the equivalent design theory, the mini hallux toenail flap pedicled with the hallux transverse artery and toe pulp vein transplantation technique is an effective method to reconstruct Allen's type II fingertip injury with a beautiful appearance and good function. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Outcomes of antegrade homodigital neurovascular island flap in fingertip amputations.

BACKGROUND: Antegrade homodigital neurovascular island flap (AHIF) is one of the methods used in fingertip amputations to cover the defect area, preserve finger length and obtain a painless and sensitive fingertip. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional and sensory outcomes in patients who underwent AHIF for fingertip amputation and to analyze the relationship between patient satisfaction and outcome measures. METHODS: Twenty patients with a mean age of 37 (18-63) years were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were evaluated in terms of hook nail development, active interphalangeal joint movements, cold intolerance, and sensory function of the flap covered area. Static two-point discrimination test and Semmes Weinstein monofilament test were performed for sensory evaluation. RESULTS: All flaps survived completely at the end of follow-up (mean, 36 months; range 11-64 months). Five patients had cold intolerance and two had hook nails. In total, proximal interphalangeal or distal interphalangeal joint flexion contracture developed in 25 % of the patients. The mean static two-point discrimination score was 4.6 ± 1.6 (2-8) and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test score was 3.48 ± 0.6 (2.44-4.17). Subjective satisfaction levels of the patients were found to be high and did not show a statistical relationship with the measured clinical outcome parameters (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Since AHIF contains a solid and continuous neurovascular pedicle, the probability of necrosis and loss of sensation is low in AHIF. In addition, the graft need of the donor area is not high. Its disadvantage is the rate of restriction of joint movements. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Eponychial Flap: A Simpler Way to Achieve Better Aesthetic Outcome in a Fingertip Amputation.

Background There are numerous flaps described for the treatment of fingertip amputation. Shortened nail length resulting from amputation is an ignored area. Eponychial flap is a simple procedure that helps to lengthen the nail plate and correct this deformity. Methods This case-control study was conducted between April 2016 and June 2020 aimed at comparing the outcome of nail defects in a fingertip amputation treated with eponychial flap and those treated without an eponychial flap. Results Among 165 patients treated for fingertip injury, 78 were treated with eponychial flap (group A) and 87 without eponychial flap (group B). In group A, the nail length was 72.54% (standard deviation [SD]: 14.4) and the nail plate area was 74.35% (SD: 13.96) compared with the contralateral uninjured nail. These results were significantly better ( p = 0.000) compared with group B where the values were 36.49 (SD: 8.45) and 35.8% (SD: 8.4), respectively. The aesthetic outcome score was also significantly higher in group A patients ( p = 0.002). The patient satisfaction was superior in group A compared with group B. Conclusion The eponychial flap is a simple and reliable technique that can be used to restore the visible nail length in traumatic fingertip defects. Compared with fingers treated without nail lengthening with eponychial flap gives excellent aesthetic results.

Hypodermic needle fixation without fluoroscopy versus k-wire fixation with fluoroscopy for distal phalangeal fractures: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Distal phalanx fractures are frequently encountered in our daily practice. They are often caused by crush injuries and are the most frequent work-related hand fractures. Different types of fixation have been proposed for displaced fractures. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on two fixation types. Twenty-four distal phalanx fractures were treated with k-wire fixation with fluoroscopic control in a main operating room setting. Twenty-five distal phalanx fractures were treated with hypodermic needle fixation without fluoroscopic control in an emergency treatment room setting. Clinical and radiological data were collected on fracture type, fracture healing and complications. The cost of both types of surgery was assessed. RESULTS: No significant difference in healing time, union, delayed union and non-union was found between the two groups. Loosening was significantly more frequent in the hypodermic needle group, without affecting clinical or radiographic outcome. No infections were encountered in both groups. Surgery performed in the emergency treatment room reduced the cost with 9000 dollars when compared to surgery performed the main operating room. CONCLUSION: Treatment of displaced distal phalanx fractures with hypodermic needle fixation yields good results. Performing this procedure in a treatment room is safe and might reduce operative time, institutional costs and radiation exposure for both surgeon and patients.

[The semi-occlusive dressing in treating Allen III and IV fingertip injuries as an alternative to local skin flaps]. / Der Okklusionsverband zur Behandlung von Allen III und IV Fingerkuppenverletzungen als Alternative zu lokalen Lappenplastiken.

BACKGROUND: Fingertip injuries are very common in emergency departments. According to the literature, Allen III and IV fingertip injuries should be treated with local skin flaps. Instead, we have treated these kinds of injuries in recent years with a semi-occlusive dressing. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome after semi-occlusive dressing therapy with respect to soft tissue cover, recovery of sensibility and duration of disability. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 77 fingertip injuries (39 Allen I, 25 Allen II, 9 Allen III, 4 Allen IV) from 2008-2011 in 23 women and 54 men who were treated with a semi-occlusive dressing. The mean age was 36 ± 14 years and the mean follow-up was seven months. The bone was not shortened even if the bone was exposed up to the wound level. The primarily occlusive dressing was left as long as possible and was sealed when necessary. Furthermore, the treatment time with the semi-occlusive dressing and the period of disability was recorded. Patient sensitivity recovery was also analysed. RESULTS: The mean treatment duration was 21 ± 10 days and the mean duration of disability was 30 ± 17 days. The mean duration of disability was 19 ± 8 days for Allen I injuries, 36 ± 16 days for Allen II, 45 ± 20 days for Allen III and 58 ± 7 days for Allen IV. All patients developed satisfactory tissue cover and sensibility recovery. For amputation injuries of Allen III and IV, we recorded a normal light-touch 2­point discrimination in the Semmes-Weinstein Test in 77 % and diminished in 23 %. There were no complications like tissue infections, neuroma or osteitis. Also, no secondary flap supply was necessary. CONCLUSIONS: The semi-occlusive dressing is a good therapy for all kind of fingertip injuries, regardless of the amputation level. Even if the bone is exposed up to the wound level, satisfactory soft tissue cover can be achieved.

A Systematic Review of Outcomes and Complications of Primary Fingertip Reconstruction Using Reverse-Flow Homodigital Island Flaps.

BACKGROUND: Fingertip reconstruction using reverse-flow homodigital island flaps has been very popular over the years. However, the outcomes of reconstruction have not been clearly understood. In these circumstances, a systematic review of available literature is warranted. OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcomes and complications of fingertip reconstruction using reverse-flow homodigital island flaps. To justify the usage of reverse-flow homodigital island flaps for fingertip reconstruction. SEARCH METHODS: A PubMed [MEDLINE] electronic database was searched (1985 to 15 April 2015). SELECTION/ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Retrospective case series that met the following criteria were included: (1) Study reported primary data; (2) Study included at least five cases of fingertip defects treated using reverse-flow homodigital island flaps; (3) Study reported outcomes and complications of fingertip reconstruction, either primary or delayed, using reverse-flow homodigital island flaps; (4) The study presented at least one of the following functional outcomes: Static two-point discrimination, return-to-work time, range of motion of distal interphalangeal joints; (5) The study presented at least one complication. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed search results, and two other review authors analyzed the data and resolved disagreements. The following endpoints were analyzed: survival rate of the flap, sensibility, and functional outcomes and complications. MAIN RESULT: Eight studies were included in this review. The included studies were published between 1995 and 2014, and a total of 207 patients with 230 fingertip defects were reported. The overall survival rate of the flap was 98 % (including partial survival). The mean static two-point discrimination (2PD) was 7.2 mm. The average range of motion of the DIP joint was 63°. The average return-to-work time was 7 weeks after injury. On average, 2 % of the patient had complete flap necrosis, 5 % had partial flap necrosis, 4 % developed venous congestion, 4 % developed flexion contracture, and 12 % experienced mild-to-moderate cold intolerance. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Survival of reconstructed fingertips (98 %) is better with reverse-flow homodigital island flaps than fingertip replantation (86 %). The sensibility outcome using sensate flaps (mean s2PD = 7.2 mm) is similar to the sensibility outcome following replantation (mean s2PD = 7 mm). The common complications include cold intolerance, venous congestion, and flexion contracture. Therefore, reverse-flow homodigital island flaps may not be the ideal choice but are a very reliable alternative for fingertip reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Innervated Digital Artery Perforator Propeller Flap for Reconstruction of Lateral Oblique Fingertip Defects.

PURPOSE: To report our experience with the use of a digital artery perforator propeller flap based on a constant distal perforator in the middle phalanx for resurfacing of lateral oblique fingertip amputations. METHODS: Twelve fingertips in 10 patients underwent reconstruction, with a mean follow-up of 8 months (range, 8-12 mo). The size of the flaps ranged from 2.5 × 1.5 cm to 3.0 × 2.0 cm. RESULTS: All flaps survived entirely and restored a rounded fingertip contour. Mean static 2-point discrimination was 5 mm (range, 4-6 mm). With the exception of 1 patient with an amputation at the distal interphalangeal joint, the distal interphalangeal joint was preserved in all patients and had 30° to 60° of motion at final follow-up. No patients complained of cold intolerance or residual joint contracture. No hooked nail deformity occurred in patients who had remaining nailbed. CONCLUSIONS: The digital artery perforator propeller flap is particularly suited to coverage of a lateral oblique fingertip defect, because only a 90° rotation is required when inset, and the bulk of the flap serves to restore the rounded contour of the fingertip. The skin over the entire dorsal surface of the middle phalanx can be elevated as a flap, providing adequate tissue to resurface the defect and restore a rounded contour to the fingertip. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Comparing clinical and aesthetic outcomes of cross-finger and homodigital reverse digital artery island flap for fingertip injuries: A single-center retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Reverse homodigital artery island flap (RHDI) has been reported to have some postoperative complications. Cross-finger reverse digital artery island flap (CRDI), which is harvested from an adjacent intact finger, has been used to decrease these complications. This study aimed to provide a review of the CRDI procedure and compare the clinical outcomes of CRDI with those of RHDI. METHODS: RHDI has been performed for fingertip amputations with deficit of 1.5-2.5 cm before 2018, and CRDI has been performed since 2018. We assessed the functional and aesthetic outcomes, including finger length, nail deformity, finger motion, and Hand20 scores at the final follow-up. RESULTS: We identified 22 patients who underwent RHDI and 10 patients who underwent CRDI. The mean follow-up period was 10.3 ± 5.3 months. The median time required for wound healing were 47.0 days (IQR: 34.3-55.8 days) and 34.5 days (IQR: 29.3-44.3 days) in RHDI and CRDI, respectively. The hook nail deformity occurred significantly more frequently in RHDI compared to that in CRDI (40.9% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.03). Flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint greater than 15º was found to be significantly more in RHDI than in CRDI (36.4% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.04). The median postoperative total active motion of the donor site in CRDI was 278º (IQR: 260-280º). The median postoperative Hand20 scores were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION: CRDI was associated with superior clinical outcomes in terms of lower rates of postoperative flexion contracture and hook nail deformity, potentially making it a better option compared to RHDI.

Outcomes of bipedicle V-Y 'cup' flap for repair of volar oblique fingertip amputations.

We used bipedicle V-Y 'cup' flaps to reconstruct 13 consecutive volar oblique fingertip amputations encountered in a nearly 2-year period. All flaps survived completely with no bone protuberance, scarring or neuroma evident at the end of follow-up (mean, 7 months; range 4-13 months). Two of the 13 patients had moderate or severe tenderness, three had moderate or severe cold intolerance and two had noticeable hook nails. There were no significant (≥10°) flexion contracture in the interphalangeal joints. The mean static two-point discrimination score was 4 mm (range 3-6) and the modal Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test score was 3.6 g (range 3.2-4.2). All patients were satisfied with their surgical outcomes. The bipedicle V-Y 'cup' flap provides good results in terms of fingertip contour, padding and sensation, and has a low complication rate when used to treat volar oblique fingertip amputations.Level of evidence: IV.

A Threshold QuickDASH Score for Estimating a Diagnosis of Major Depression in Patients With Fingertip Injuries in the American and Dutch Population.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to determine the threshold Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score that estimates a diagnosis of major depression in patients with fingertip injuries in American and Dutch patients. METHODS: In this observational cross-sectional study, 112 patients with a recent fingertip injury measured symptoms of depression with the Patient Health Questionnaire and upper extremity disability with the QuickDASH. RESULTS: In the US cohort, 8 of 56 patients had an estimated diagnosis of major depression. A threshold value of QuickDASH of 50 showed a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 81%, with a negative predicting value (NPV) of 95% for an estimated diagnosis of major depression. In the Dutch cohort, 7 of 56 patients had an estimated diagnosis of major depression. The same threshold score of 50 had a sensitivity of 71%, a specificity of 63%, and an NPV of 94%. CONCLUSIONS: We have found a correlation between experienced loss of function and an estimated diagnosis of major depression in patients with a fingertip injury. Referral to the primary care physician for further evaluation of depression in these patients is advised.

Appearance Outcomes of Repositioned Native Nail Plate as a Free Graft and Artificial Nail Plate in the Reconstruction of the Fingertip Injuries.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cosmetic outcomes of native nail plate (NP) replacement as a free graft and using an artificial NP in reconstruction of the fingertip injuries. Methods: Two prospective cohorts of patients with fingertip injuries and avulsed NPs were evaluated. In group 1 (54 patients with 61 fingertip injuries), the native NP was available and suitable for placement under the proximal nail fold. In group 2 (31 patients with 32 fingertip injuries), the native NP was either lost or highly damaged and it was not suitable for use. In this group, an artificial NP was used. The final cosmetic outcomes of regrown NPs were evaluated at a minimum of 4 months after surgery using the Oxford Finger Nail Appearance Score. Results: "Trapped in a door" was the most common cause of injury in pediatric patients, whereas work-related injuries were the most common cause of injury in adults. The difference between the mean appearance scores of the two groups favored group 1 (native NP). There was a negative correlation between the patient age and appearance scores, irrespective of the treatment group. The presence of a distal phalanx fracture adversely affected the appearance scores. Conclusions: Replacing the native NP for splinting in fingertip injuries is advantageous. Fingertip injuries in pediatric patients and fingertip injuries without distal phalanx fractures achieved better cosmesis scores. Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic III.

Tissue-engineered Minimalistic Reconstruction of a Severely Crushed Fingertip.

The goals of treatment for fingertip injuries are maximising digital length, tactile sensation, pulp padding, and fingertip appearance while minimising complications like infection and amputation. Currently, terminalisation, healing by secondary intention, and flap surgeries are widely used for crushing fingertip injuries, but they have their own set of issues and limitations. We present a tissue-engineered method by combining platelet-rich fibrin injections with stacked-up layers of synthetic biodegradable temporising matrix to treat a severely crushed fingertip. This novel therapy minimised reconstructions while successfully regenerating new soft-tissues. Soft-tissue regeneration within the stacked-up biodegradable matrix achieved adequate volume, sensation, function, and mobility of the newly reconstructed fingertip while maintaining its skeletal length. Notably, the regenerated fingertip allowed the patient to resume work normally as a busy software engineer. Thus, minimalistic fingertip reconstruction not only prevented a disability, but also served as a viable alternative to major reconstructive surgeries.

Reconstructive Timing of Nail Preserved Fingertip Injury With Reverse Digital Artery Island Flap.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the outcomes of reverse digital artery island flap (RDAIF) in primary and secondary reconstruction after failed replantation or composite graft method. METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed 42 patients that underwent RDAIF (18 primary and 24 secondary). Preoperative details (demographics, injury details, and waiting days) and postoperative outcomes (active arc of proximal interphalangeal [PIP] and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints, extension loss of PIP, flexion arc of metacarpophalangeal joint, total active motion, flap sensation, the presence of numbness, Tinel's sign and cold intolerance) were evaluated. Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score (Quick-DASH) and patient satisfaction were also statistically compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in patient demographics between the 2 groups in sex, age, smoking and diabetic history, affected hand and finger, injury type and level, and flap area. The only difference was in waiting days. Similar sensory recovery and patient satisfaction were found in both groups. Range of motion in the DIP and PIP joints, extension loss of PIP, total active motion, and Quick-DASH were superior in the primary coverage group. Increasing age, subzone III injury, and secondary reconstruction were found to be the factors that adversely affected the postoperative range of motion. CONCLUSIONS: Secondary reconstruction was more likely to result in joint contracture. In the event of a damaged fingertip amputation in older patients, primary flap reconstruction should be considered as the initial treatment of choice, with regard to the ultimate range of motion.

Delayed primary intention with full-thickness skin graft in distal interphalangeal injury: A rare case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: The fingertip injury is the most common in the hand area. In this regard, skin grafting can be considered to preserve sensation, due to its functional importance, particularly for distal tip injuries. A full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) results in excellent function after engraftment and should be considered in reconstructing functionally and aesthetically important areas. Moreover, a thorough understanding of FTSG is required for a surgeon to have an excellent outcome. CASE PRESENTATION: A 38-year-old man had the third fingertip injury of his right hand after being crushed by a mill. Physical examination revealed exposed bone distal to DIP, with intact periosteum and nail plate, negative active bleeding, and negative contaminants. There was no tendon or soft tissue left above the periosteum. In addition, an X-ray of the right manus revealed no fracture. The wound was applied with hydrogel and petroleum gauze to maintain hydration. A wound toilet was performed, followed by the closure of the wound with full-thickness skin grafting (FTSG). Follow-up was done in the first week and the fourth week after the procedure, as they showed good aesthetic results with satisfactory function. The sensory recovery showed normal result for touch and vibration. Meanwhile, sharp pain and warmth object sensation were minimally diminished. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: A literature review concludes that FTSGs are generally unreliable in cases with over poorly vascularized beds, and FTSG will only work with no serious blood supply issues. Therefore, severe fingertip injury was reconstructed by the graft. CONCLUSION: This procedure showed excellent graft survival with no additional surgical injury of the normal finger, satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes, and no need for secondary debulking procedures. Potential disadvantages consisted of insufficient volume of soft tissue and graft hyperpigmentation. However, delayed primary wound closure by FTSG may be an option for treating full-thickness finger defects with bone or tendon exposure.

The Aesthetic Outcomes of Fingertip Amputation Are Better with Proximal Nail Fold Recession.

Background: There are numerous flaps described for the treatment of fingertip amputation. Most flaps do not address the shortened nail resulting from amputation. Proximal nail fold (PNF) recession is a simple procedure that exposes the hidden portion of the nail and improves the aesthetic appearance of an amputated fingertip. The aim of this study is to measure the size and aesthetic outcomes of the nail following fingertip amputation in patients treated with PNF recession compared to those treated without PNF recession. Methods: This study was conducted between April 2016 and June 2020 and included patients with a digital-tip amputation who underwent a local flap or shortening closure for reconstruction. All suitable patients were counselled for PNF recession. In addition to demographic, injury and treatment data, the length and area of the nail were measured. The outcomes were assessed at a minimum of 1 year after surgery and included measurement of the size of the nail, patient satisfaction and aesthetic outcomes. A comparison of the outcomes was done between patients who underwent PNF recession versus those who did not. Results: Out of 165 patients treated for fingertip injury, 78 underwent PNF recession (Group A) and 87 did not undergo PNF recession (Group B). In Group A, the nail length was 72.54% (SD: 14.4) and the nail plate area was 74.35% (SD: 13.96) compared to the contralateral uninjured nail. These results were significantly better (p = 0.000) compared to Group B where the values were 36.49% (SD: 8.45) and 35.8% (SD: 8.4), respectively. The patient satisfaction and aesthetic outcome scores were also significantly higher in Group A patients (p = 0.002). Conclusions: The size and aesthetic outcomes of the nail following fingertip amputation in patients treated with PNF recession are better compared to those treated without PNF recession. Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic).

Fingertip injury epidemiology: an Indian perspective.

Fingertip injuries result in significant morbidity. It is associated with pain, loss of work and recreational hours, financial burden, and distortion of body image. Although it is a common injury, the epidemiology of fingertip injury is a subject with scanty literature. This study is aimed at providing epidemiology of fingertip injury in India. Epidemiological data were collected and analysed through a retrospective review of all fingertip injuries over a period of four years treated in our department. In the paediatric population, among the 241 injuries in 221children, most occurred at home (98%). Most incidents were in children under five years of age (74%). The most commonly involved digit is the middle finger (29%) and door crush was the commonest reason (80%). Incomplete fingertip amputation with nail bed injury was seen in 80% of cases. In adults, there were 351 injuries in 290 patients, most of which occurred by jamming of the finger at a two-wheeler chain (22.5%). The second most common cause is cut by machine and associated with heavy machinery (17.6%). Complete amputation at the nailbed level was seen in 50% of the cases. Both children and adults need to be educated regarding the causation and effects of fingertip injuries. Damage to fingers can be prevented and reduced by observing safety measures both inside the home and at the workplace.

Nail Reconstruction With Nail Bed Graft From Big Toe: A Case Report.

Fingertip injuries with loss of the nail bed can lead to permanent deformities or absent nail formation. This is a case report of a 17-year-old female who sustained a blunt injury to the left second index finger with nail avulsion. The patient underwent nail reconstruction with a split-thickness graft from the sterile matrix of the left great toe. Postoperatively both the donor and the recipient sites appear to be healing appropriately. Since nail reconstruction with toe graft is rarely performed, this case is of particular interest due to its excellent postoperative outcomes.

Epidemiology of pediatric hand surgery emergencies. Retrospective study of 245 patients seen over 10 months in two referral centers.

BACKGROUND: The primary objective of this retrospective study was to analyse the epidemiology and assess the characteristics of all paediatric hand injuries requiring emergent surgery. HYPOTHESIS: Paediatric hand emergencies that require surgical treatment have a specific epidemiological distribution. METHODS: We conducted a multicentre retrospective descriptive epidemiological study of surgical paediatric hand emergencies seen over 10 consecutive months. RESULTS: We included 245 patients between the 1st of January and the 31st of October 2016. Irrespective of age, most injuries (69%) occurred at home; 11% (n=26) occurred at school and 4% in a sports centre. Overall, most injuries involved the dorsal aspect and affected the fingers more often than the hand. The most common lesion was crush injury of a distal phalanx (36% of cases). Door guards were in use in only 9% of homes (n=8), and mean age of the patients in this group was 5 years Paronychia/acute infections accounted for 27% of cases. Wounds of the hands of fingers made up 23% of cases, with the palmar aspect being involved in 70% of cases. The wound was often due to the use of a sharp-edged object. Fractures/dislocations accounted for 12% of cases and bites or scratches for 2%. DISCUSSION: This study showed that the most common hand injuries requiring emergent surgery in a paediatric population are crush injuries of the fingertip such as door-crush injuries, which most often occur at home. Reinforcing prevention strategies should be the main priority in order to decrease the incidence of hand lesions in children. Raising awareness among parents and improving the education of the public could significantly decrease the incidence of these injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; retrospective cohort.

Clinical outcomes of the oblique V-Y advancement pulp flap for repair of lateral fingertip injuries.

We report the use of obliquely oriented V-Y advancement pulp flaps to reconstruct 17 consecutive, lateral oblique fingertip traumatic defects over a 2-year period. All flaps survived completely with no bone protuberance, prominent scar or neuroma evident at an average follow-up of 11 months (range 7 to 19). Although there was no incidence of severe hook nail deformities, there were two patients who had residual mild hook nails, two with pulp/nail asymmetries and one with an ingrown nail. The mean static two-point discrimination was 3.9 mm (range 2 to 8) and the mean Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test score 3.6 g (range 2.44 to 4.56). No correlation was found between the flap obliquity angle and sensory test results. We recommend the obliquely oriented V-Y pulp flap as a reliable reconstructive option for the cover of lateral oblique fingertip defects.Level of evidence: IV.