Fingertip Injuries

Book excerpt: Focusing exclusively on the various categories of injury to the fingertip – the most common orthopedic injury seen in the ER – this book covers anatomy, physiology, mechanisms of injury, treatment options and outcomes, and possible complications stemming from these treatments. Management strategies discussed in this book range from simple splinting to complex microvascular reconstruction, open reduction internal fixation (ORIF), complex nail reconstruction, decompression of high pressure injection injuries, local and regional flap reconstructions, and free tissue transfers for fingertip coverage. Additional topics include the management of fingertip burns (thermal, chemical and electrical, and frostbite) as well as special considerations in pediatric fingertip injuries and rehabilitation strategies. It will be an essential reference for orthopedic and hand surgeons, as well as plastic, trauma and emergency surgeons and their staff at work in the ER.