Management of fingertip injuries

The degree of fingertip injury is identified by history, physical examination, and plain radiographs. After repair, the clinician should apply a nonadherent sterile dressing (eg, petroleum-impregnated gauze [eg, Xeroform or Adaptic]) covered with sterile dry gauze. Patients with tuft fractures should receive a finger splint. In young children, place a stockinette over the hand like a mitten to prevent the child from pulling off the bandage. Provide tetanus prophylaxis, as needed. For further discussion, including a description of repair techniques, refer to UpToDate content on evaluation and management of fingertip injuries.