Open treatment of fingertip amputations

Twenty-five patients with fingertip injuries at or distal to the distal interphalangeal joint were treated with a thorough cleansing of the wound with application of bacitracin and a sterile dressing. Warm soaks were begun 48 hours after injury. Crush injury was the most common type of trauma, followed by cutting injuries. Bone involvement was present in six cases. The average healing time was 29 days. At the time of complete healing, sensation was normal in 22 patients (88%). Systemic antibiotics were not administered routinely. No patient developed a wound infection. Our study documents that fingertip amputations can be successfully treated by non-operative methods that result in preservation of finger length and contour, retention of sensation, and healing without infection.