21 Management of Complications in the Treatment of Fingertip Injuries

Florian S. Frueh and Maurizio Calcagni

Abstract

The fingertip is the most frequently injured part of the hand. Accordingly, complications after fingertip injuries are very common and knowledge about their treatment is important for hand surgeons. Nail deformities, such as nail ridges, split nails, or hook nails can be challenging to correct. While nail ridges are relatively easy to address, split nails and hook nails are difficult problems and may also be solved with nail eradication and skin grafting. Painful neuromata are another common and potentially debilitating complication of fingertip injuries. Traditionally, the surgical treatment includes resection of the neuroma with nerve shortening and relocation. However, a multitude of treatment strategies has been described without a single technique providing superior results. Finally, tendon or bone infection, cold intolerance, and hypotrophic digital pulps may occur after fingertip injuries. While exarticulation and finger shortening can always be performed, specific and more sophisticated surgical procedures should be part of the armamentarium of hand surgeons to maintain digital length and function.

Schlüsselwörter

cold intolerance - fingertip injuries - hypotrophic fingertip - infection - nail deformity - neuroma

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