Amputations of the fingers and thumbs are not uncommon and are of great importance. In addition to the usual details always note:
- is patient left or right handed
- patient's occupation
- patient's hobbies
Amputation through soft tissue of finger tip
- If patient brings in a clean, non-crushed finger tip - clean, defat finger tip and suture it on as a skin graft, using a tie over dressing. Ask advice. Review Clinic in one week.
- If finger tip is lost or severely traumatised, clean, dress and allow to heal by granulation.
Review 5-7 days in Review Clinic
More proximal amputations with loss of bone.
Discuss with Hand Surgery service
Amputation of whole finger
Discuss with Plastic surgeons.
Loss of pulp of distal phalanx
Less than 1 sq cm of FULL thickness skin loss - clean, dress and allow to heal by granulation.
More than 1 sq cm of FULL thickness skin loss - ask advice.
Note
In people whose fingers are of vital importance – e.g. musicians, typists etc always ask advice.