Traumatic Finger Amputation
A traumatic finger amputation is when you lose part or all of a finger from an accident or injury. The severity of this type of injury can vary widely. It can mean just the tip of your finger gets ripped off (avulsion), or it can mean you completely lose a finger (amputation).
Traumatic finger amputation is a medical emergency. It requires immediate care to prevent further damage and to save the finger.
CAUSES
A traumatic finger amputation usually results from an accident involving:
• A car.
• Power tools.
• Factory work.
• Farm or lawn equipment.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of a traumatic finger amputation include:
• Bleeding.
• Pain.
• Damage to surrounding tissues, such as bones, muscles, tendons,
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The physical exam will help your health care provider determine the severity of the injury and the best way to repair it. X-rays may be done to check for damage to the surrounding bones and tissues.
TREATMENT
Treatment depends on the type of injury you have and how bad it is.
• Your health care provider will clean the wound thoroughly and apply a medicine (anesthetic) to relieve pain.
• If just the tip of your finger was removed, the wound will typically heal on its own with a protective dressing and regular cleaning.
• For more severe injuries, a portion of skin may need to be taken from another part of the body (graft) and attached to the wound site until it heals.
• If a large portion of the finger was amputated, it may be possible to reattach it surgically (replantation).
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Take medicines only as directed by your health care provider.
• If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, finish all of it even if you start to feel better.
• There are many different ways to close and cover a wound, including stitches (sutures), skin glue, and adhesive strips. Follow your health care provider's instructions