Evaluation of Fingertip Injuries and Modalities of Flap Coverage in the Emergency Settings: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Fingertip comprises the nail complex and glabrous pulp, which are richly vascularized, innervated and built around the distal phalanx. The fingertip is commonly affected because it is the most distal part of the hand so it's easily to be injured during athletic participation, occupational activities or in accidents which may end with hand debili¬tation if not managed properly. A focused history and physical examination should be obtained to select the most appropriate coverage technique. Different psychosocial factor aid surgeons in selecting the most appropriate option like occupation, hobbies, cultural norms, socioeconomic status, secondary motive and clinician bias. Treatment goals include reducing pain, recovery of normal sensation, optimizing the healing time, reserving finger length, preventing neuroma and maximizing the functional and cosmetic satisfaction. Other important factors are considered for the selection of the most suitable technique such as the nature of the injury, location, size and condition of the defect, sex, patient age,