Fingertip Injury

Illustration of fingertip anatomy showing the extensor tendon, flexor tendon, distal phalanx bone, nail, nail bed, germinal matrix, and pulp.
Figure 1: Fingertip anatomy

Fingertip injuries are one of the more common injuries in the hand. The fingertips are exposed during many everyday activities.

Causes

Fingertip injuries can happen in many ways. They may be crushed, closed in a door, hit by a hammer, injured when a heavy object is dropped onto the finger, or cut by a kitchen knife, power tool, or another sharp object.

A fingertip injury can damage the skin, bone, nailbed, tendons, pulp, and nerve endings of the fingertip.

Treatment

Your doctor will ask how the injury happened, check for good blood supply, and make sure you can still bend and straighten the finger. An x-ray may be taken to see if the bone is broken.

Treatment depends on the severity of the fingertip injury. Options may include:

  • Dressing, such as gauze, tape, or a sterile pad
  • Splints or metal pins
  • Surgery
  • Amputation

Examples of injuries and treatments

  • Severe crushing of the fingertip: If only skin is removed from the fingertip or only a small amount of bone is exposed, the injury may be treated with a simple dressing. More serious injuries may require surgery.
  • Broken finger bone: This is common and may be treated with a splint or temporary metal pins to hold the bone fragments in proper position. If the damage is too severe, amputation of the fingertip may be necessary.
  • Injured nail bed: If blood collects under the nail, it may be drained by making a small hole in the nail. If the nail bed is more seriously injured, a splint or surgery may be needed.

Recovery

Your finger may be sensitive for many months. Sometimes, feeling in the fingertip is limited. The quality and texture of the skin may be different, and the finger will likely look different.

Talk to your doctor about the best treatment option for you.