Distal phalanx (finger) fracture: Difference between revisions

(Text replacement - "fx" to "fracture")
(Text replacement - "==Clinical Presentation==" to "==Clinical Features==")
Line 3: Line 3:
*Foot: stubbed toe or dropped a heavy object
*Foot: stubbed toe or dropped a heavy object


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

Revision as of 08:58, 12 July 2016

Background

  • Hand: finger slammed in door
  • Foot: stubbed toe or dropped a heavy object

Clinical Features

  • Pain and/or swelling of the digit
  • Sensation usually intact
    • Pain on palpation

Examination

  • Evaluate for tendon damage
  • Always look for the second fracture

Imaging

  • Hand Xrays to rule out additional fractures
  • Comminuted tuft fracture
    Tuft's fracture
    • Stable
  • Longitudinal fracture
    • Usually non-displaced and stable
  • Transverse fracture
    • Evaluate for angulation/displacement
  • Intraarticular fracture

Differential Diagnosis

Distal Finger (Including Nail) Injury

Hand and Finger Fracture Types

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
    • Digital blocks 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 open fractures

Disposition

  • Refer for:
    • Tendon dysfunction
    • Nerve dysfunction
    • Displacement or angulation
    • Intraarticular fracture
    • Complex involving Nailbed laceration

See Also

References