Author/Authors :
Nystrom, N. Ake Department of Orthopedics - University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix - Phoenix - AZ, USA , Champagne, Lloyd Department of Orthopedics - University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix - Phoenix - AZ, USA , Hustedt, Joshua W. Department of Orthopedics - University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix - Phoenix - AZ, USA , Walker, Robert Department of Orthopedics - University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix - Phoenix - AZ, USA , Wiebelhaus, John Department of Orthopedics - University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix - Phoenix - AZ, USA
Abstract :
The management strategy proposed herein for fingertip amputations advocates secondary healing with preservation of appearanceas well as function. Conservative healing is more likely to result in a sensate, nontender, and cosmetically acceptable fingertipcompared to surgical management in many clinical scenarios. This manuscript examines in detail the extent of fingertip injury anddefines the relationship of injury to final fingertip outcome. A classification is presented, which allows adequate initial counselingregarding prognosis, and predicts the need for secondary corrective surgery.
