View source for Distal phalanx (finger) fracture

==Background==
*Fracture of distal portion of distal phalanx is also known as a "Tuft fracture"
*Hand: finger slammed in door
*Foot: stubbed toe or dropped a heavy object

{{Finger fracture types}}

==Clinical Features==
*Pain and/or swelling of the digit
*Sensation usually intact
**Pain on palpation

==Differential Diagnosis==
*[[Mallet finger]]
{{DDX distal finger}}
{{Hand and finger fractures DDX}}

==Evaluation==
[[File:Tufts_fracture.jpg|thumb|Tuft's fracture]]
[[File:MalletFinger.png |thumb|Distal phalanx fracture concerning for [[Mallet finger]]]]

===Imaging===
*Hand and/or finger x-rays

===Diagnosis===
*Comminuted tuft fracture
**Stable
*Longitudinal fracture
**Usually non-displaced and stable
*Transverse fracture
**Evaluate for angulation/displacement
*Intraarticular fracture
*Evaluate additionally for:
**Tendon damage
**Second fracture

==Management==

===General Fracture Management===
*Acute pain management
*Open fractures (excluding distal phalanx fractures) require immediate IV antibiotics and urgent surgical washout
*Neurovascular compromise from fracture requires emergent reduction and/or orthopedic intervention

===Specific Management===
*Nonoperative
**Nondisplaced: Splint with the DIP joint in extension (splint should extend past the tip of the distal phalanx
***Most cases
**Eval nail bed
***Is a [[Nailbed laceration]] underneath possible?
**[[Digital block]]s can be helpful for evaluation and management
**Do not attempt to reduce comminuted tuft fracture
*Call Hand or Ortho (institution dependent) for complex finger injuries
**[[Nailbed laceration]] with distal phalanx fractures can be complicated and result in an [[open fracture]]

===Prophylactic Antibiotics===
Controversial but in general, prophylactic antibiotics are indicated for grossly contaminated open wounds, and can be considered in high risk patients (ex. diabetics, peripheral artery disease). Otherwise, NOT indicated in open distal phalanx fracture (aka tuft fracture) as long as:
*Fracture is at distal phalanx (i.e. tuft fracture)
*Intact digital arteries
*Clean wound

==Disposition==
*Refer for:
**Tendon dysfunction
**Nerve dysfunction
**Displacement or angulation
**Intraarticular fracture
**Complex involving [[Nailbed laceration]]

==See Also==
*[[Finger (Phalanx) Fracture]]
*[[Hand Diagnoses (Main)]]
*[[Nailbed laceration]]
*[[Subungual hematoma]]

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Orthopedics]]