Assessment, management and treatment of acute fingertip injuries.
Fingertip injuries with nail bed trauma can require specialist hand surgery, depending on severity. However, most of these injuries can be managed in well-equipped emergency departments by emergency nurses with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the fingernail and surrounding structures, assessment and examination, pain management and treatment. This article describes the surface and underlying anatomy and physiology of the nail, the most common mechanisms of injury, relevant diagnostic investigations, and initial assessment and management. It also discusses treatment options, referral pathways, and patient discharge advice.
Tallaght Hospital, emergency department, Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland.
Anthony
A
Kearney
Tallaght Hospital, emergency department, Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland.
Louise
L
Canty
D000673:Amputation, Traumatic / Q000601:surgery; D001458:Bandages; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D005385:Fingers / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006406:Hematoma / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D009262:Nails / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D063886:Patient Discharge Summaries; D010808:Physical Examination; D013165:Splints
fingertip injuries; nail avulsion; nail bed; nail bed trauma; nail plate; subungal haematoma