Diagnosis and Management of Common Pediatric Fingertip Trauma

Fingertip trauma commonly presents to pediatric emergency departments. Most injuries can be managed at the bedside with anesthesia, irrigation, soft tissue repair, immobilization, and follow-up. A comprehensive team approach allows for a nurse practitioner as the first point of contact with involvement of a hand surgeon and hand therapist as necessary to provide optimal care. This topical review provides an anatomical framework to assist first-line providers in the appropriate diagnosis and management of common pediatric fingertip injuries as well as identify and rule out conditions that warrant time-sensitive surgical intervention such as Seymour fracture, tendon laceration/avulsion, or dysvascular digit.