Fingertip Injury

A fingertip injury is a fairly common type of hand injury, one often caused by an accident, such as slamming a finger in a door, that occurs during everyday activities. A fingertip injury can involve the skin, bone, nail, nail bed or pulp, which is the soft padding on the back of the fingertip. A fingertip can be cut, crushed, torn or cut off completely. Because it contains more nerve endings than many other parts of the body, a fingertip is extremely sensitive, making injury to it particularly painful.

An serious injury to the fingertip should be evaluated by a physician in order to ensure that the function of the finger, as well as that of the hand itself, is not permanently affected. Before it is evaluated by a physician, an injured fingertip should be iced and elevated to keep swelling and bleeding to a minimum, and a sterile bandage should be applied. In addition to those treatments, if a finger has been cut off, the amputated piece should be cleaned with a sterile solution, wrapped in gauze, and put in a watertight bag that is then placed on ice.

Examination by a physician includes a thorough cleaning of the wounded area; an injection of anesthetic is often given to relieve pain. The physician checks to see if bone is exposed, tissue is missing, and/or the nail is injured. An antibiotic may be prescribed and/or a tetanus shot given. Most fingertip injuries can be treated by suturing the wound. It takes several weeks for a finger to fully heal, during which time it is wrapped in a dressing or supported in a splint. Whether or not a cut-off fingertip is reattached during replantation surgery, which is extremely complex, is subject to many variables.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

If you are experiencing symptoms of fingertip injury, visit Specialty Orthopaedics. Our New York orthopedic practice is home to a team of fellowship-trained orthopedists in a variety of orthopedic specialty areas. We offer comprehensive treatment for musculoskeletal disorders in a caring and responsive clinical atmosphere. Give us a call at 914.686.0111 or fill out the form on this page to schedule your appointment today.