This 2013 narrative review covers the full spectrum of fingertip injury management — from nail bed repair and secondary intention healing to local/regional flaps, acellular dermal templates, and microvascular replantation — with a focus on matching treatment to injury pattern and patient demands.
When managing a fingertip amputation with exposed bone, use the Allen classification to guide replantation versus flap/template decisions, consider cyanoacrylate adhesive for isolated nail bed lacerations to save OR time, and always counsel patients that cold intolerance is nearly universal and that replantation — while functionally superior — means ~4 months before return to work versus ~1 month after completion amputation.
This 2013 narrative review covers the full spectrum of fingertip injury management — from nail bed repair and secondary intention healing to local/regional flaps, acellular dermal templates, and microvascular replantation — with a focus on matching treatment to injury pattern and patient demands.
When managing a fingertip amputation with exposed bone, use the Allen classification to guide replantation versus flap/template decisions, consider cyanoacrylate adhesive for isolated nail bed lacerations to save OR time, and always counsel patients that cold intolerance is nearly universal and that replantation — while functionally superior — means ~4 months before return to work versus ~1 month after completion amputation.