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Lesiones en la punta de los dedos

Crush, laceration, nail-bed and amputation injuries of the fingertip and their management.

Updated Sep 2026
Una ilustración dibujada a mano de la punta de un dedo lesionada.
Dedo en martillo: la punta del dedo se dobla hacia abajo porque el tendón extensor situado en el extremo del dedo se ha roto o ha arrancado un pequeño fragmento óseo. Kieran Hirpara 4.0

Esta página se tradujo automáticamente y todavía no la ha revisado un médico. La versión en inglés es la versión oficial.

Qué está sintiendo

Una lesión en la punta del dedo suele doler justo en esa zona, donde la piel, la uña y el hueso están muy próximos. Al principio, el dolor es a menudo agudo; luego se convierte en un dolor sordo y palpitante. Tiende a intensificarse cuando golpea el dedo, aprieta algo con fuerza o lo utiliza para pellizcar o presionar. El frío también puede desencadenar los síntomas en la mano; es una causa frecuente de problemas persistentes tras una lesión en la punta del dedo.

Las tareas cotidianas pueden volverse complicadas. Abrochar botones, atar los cordones de los zapatos, girar una llave, recoger monedas o sujetar un bolígrafo requieren que la punta del dedo sea sensible y fuerte. Si la punta del dedo está entumecida, débil o le duele, estas pequeñas tareas llevan más tiempo y resultan torpes. Si la lesión afecta al pulgar o a la mano dominante, escribir, comer y usar el teléfono resulta aún más difícil.

Es posible que note que el dedo se siente distinto por la noche o al despertar; además, suele doler después de un día de uso intenso. El entumecimiento, el hormigueo y la debilidad son síntomas que debe comentarle a su cirujano, junto con cómo ocurrió la lesión, qué mano utiliza con mayor frecuencia, su trabajo, si fuma y cualquier operación o condición médica previa. Todo ello ayuda a definir el plan de tratamiento adecuado.

Un último dato relevante: las lesiones en la punta del dedo suelen considerarse menores, y muchas personas reciben el alta sin ningún seguimiento posterior. Sin embargo, merecen el mismo cuidado que cualquier otra lesión de mano. Las infecciones tras estas lesiones son poco frecuentes (2,5 %), por lo que no siempre se requieren antibióticos de forma rutinaria. Algunas personas también experimentan cambios emocionales tras una lesión en la punta del dedo, sobre todo cuando este ya no funciona como antes. Si ese es su caso, no dude en mencionarlo; forma parte legítima de la lesión y debe incluirse en la conversación.

¿Qué ocurre realmente?

La yema del dedo es la parte final del dedo, más allá del punto donde se insertan los tendones encargados de doblarlo y estirarlo. Se trata de una estructura anatómica pequeña pero muy compleja: piel, tejido blando, uña y hueso se encuentran muy próximos entre sí, además de nervios finos que le confieren su agudo sentido del tacto. Este sentido del tacto es precisamente el propósito de la yema del dedo; gracias a él podemos sentir una moneda en el bolsillo o una llave en la cerradura.

Cuando la yema se aplasta o se corta, varias de estas estructuras pueden resultar dañadas simultáneamente. Un aplastamiento, como cuando el dedo queda atrapado en una puerta, puede provocar sangrado debajo de la uña, una fisura en el lecho ungueal o una fractura del pequeño hueso situado en la punta del dedo. Un corte causado por vidrio o un cuchillo puede arrancar la piel y el tejido blando; en algunos casos, incluso separar por completo la yema del dedo. Los médicos clasifican estas lesiones como abiertas o cerradas, según si se ha perdido tejido. Asimismo, evalúan tres componentes clave de la yema: el tejido blando, la uña y el hueso, ya que cualquiera de ellos puede resultar dañado de forma aislada o conjunta.

Los síntomas descritos anteriormente son consecuencia de todo lo anterior: el entumecimiento y el hormigueo se deben a lesiones nerviosas; la sensibilidad al frío, a una circulación comprometida en la yema; los cambios en la uña, a daños en el lecho ungueal; y el dolor por cicatrización, al proceso de reparación de la piel.

La buena noticia es que la mayoría de estas lesiones son prevenibles; la mayor parte ocurre en el hogar, al cerrarse una puerta o una ventana. Además, son muy tratables. El objetivo del tratamiento es sencillo: cubrir la yema con piel sana, preservar en la medida de lo posible la sensibilidad y mantener al dedo con una longitud y forma funcionales. Para lograrlo se requiere la misma atención meticulosa que cualquier lesión de mano merece, pues una yema incapaz de sentir o agarrar altera el funcionamiento de toda la mano.

¿Qué podemos hacer al respecto?

El Dr. Kieran Hirpara, cirujano de extremidades superiores en el Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton, adapta el tratamiento a la lesión específica de cada paciente. Por lo general, los pacientes son derivados a nuestra clínica por su médico de cabecera; si un fisioterapeuta le ha recomendado visitarnos, igualmente necesitará una derivación de su médico de cabecera para poder acceder al reembolso de Medicare. En la consulta, tomamos el historial clínico, examinamos el dedo y, si es necesario, solicitamos estudios de imagen. Esto nos permite determinar qué partes de la punta del dedo han resultado afectadas: la piel, la pulpa, la uña o el hueso.

Muchas lesiones en la punta del dedo sanan sin necesidad de cirugía. Con frecuencia, comenzamos con un vendaje que se mantiene en su lugar mientras la punta del dedo cicatriza por sí sola. Este tipo de tratamiento puede ser eficaz incluso cuando parte del hueso queda expuesto; además, evita la hospitalización y la intervención quirúrgica. Es adecuado para numerosas lesiones en la punta del dedo, incluido el pulgar, y su objetivo es restaurar tanto la forma del dedo como su sensibilidad táctil. También podemos incorporar terapia de mano para mantener en movimiento el resto del dedo mientras la punta cicatriza.

Los medicamentos desempeñan un papel complementario, no el principal en el tratamiento. El uso de analgésicos simples, según las indicaciones, ayuda a superar los primeros días. Como ya mencionamos, los antibióticos no se administran de forma rutinaria en estas lesiones, ya que las infecciones son poco frecuentes. Si la herida presenta enrojecimiento, supuración o aumento del dolor, comuníquenoslo de inmediato en lugar de esperar.

La cirugía se considera cuando la punta del dedo no puede sanar por sí sola o cuando se ha perdido una porción considerable del dedo. Si la punta se ha seccionado por completo, en ocasiones es posible volver a unirla; esto se conoce como reimplantación. Se trata de una intervención más compleja y prolongada que simplemente acortar el dedo, y la recuperación también lleva más tiempo. El objetivo no es solo que el dedo sobreviva, sino que pueda utilizarse normalmente. En el caso de los niños, procuramos reimplantar la punta siempre que sea posible; la edad por sí sola no constituye un impedimento para dicha intervención.

Cuando parte de la punta del dedo falta y no puede suturarse directamente, podemos reconstruirla. Se puede trasladar piel desde otro dedo cercano o desde cualquier zona de la mano para cubrir la zona expuesta y aportar relleno. Asimismo, el lecho ungueal puede repararse o injertarse para que la uña vuelva a crecer de forma lo más normal posible. Si conservó la parte amputada, tráigala consigo, refrigerada y bien envuelta, pues a veces puede servir para una reconstrucción posterior.

En algunas lesiones graves, como cuando un dedo queda atrapado en maquinaria, pueden ser necesarias decisiones más complejas, como acortar o remodelar el dedo. Sea cual sea la opción, conversaremos con usted para decidir conjuntamente qué tratamiento se adapta mejor a su mano y a su estilo de vida.

Qué esperar

La mayoría de las lesiones en la punta del dedo sanan con el cuidado adecuado. El objetivo del tratamiento es prevenir problemas a largo plazo; con una atención cuidadosa, la punta del dedo suele cicatrizar y quedar con un aspecto y funcionalidad normales. Muchas lesiones sanan únicamente con vendajes, incluso cuando parte del hueso queda expuesto. Si la punta del dedo se ha reimplantado, las perspectivas funcionales son mejores que cuando el dedo simplemente se acorta; sin embargo, la recuperación es más lenta y requiere mayor esfuerzo.

Algunos efectos pueden persistir. La intolerancia al frío, es decir, el dolor o la sensación de pinchazos en el dedo cuando hace frío, es frecuente tras estas lesiones. También pueden permanecer la entumecimiento o cambios en la sensibilidad de la punta, el dolor en las cicatrices y alteraciones en la uña. Una de cada tres personas cuyo dedo se acortó a causa de una lesión aguda refiere dolor nervioso crónico. Es difícil cuantificar estos problemas, pues muchas personas no reciben seguimiento tras una lesión en la punta del dedo; por eso, la tasa real de complicaciones persistentes es incierta.

Varios factores influyen en el pronóstico. Las lesiones en la punta misma del dedo o en el pulgar, ser varón, y el tiempo transcurrido hasta restablecer el flujo sanguíneo en la parte reimplantada se asocian con un pronóstico algo peor tras la reimplantación. En casos en que el dedo se desprendió por quedar atrapado en algún objeto, como un anillo en maquinaria, la supervivencia del dedo depende principalmente del grado de daño interno oculto. Las lesiones por aplastamiento graves, como las causadas por maquinaria, suelen tener peor pronóstico cuando el daño es extenso.

Dejar una lesión en la punta del dedo sin tratamiento no siempre es inofensivo. Si la herida no se detecta o se trata incorrectamente al inicio, puede retrasar el regreso al trabajo; algunas personas incluso necesitan intervenciones quirúrgicas posteriores. En niños, las lesiones en la punta del dedo suelen ocurrir en casa, al quedar atrapados en puertas o ventanas, y en su mayoría son prevenibles; por eso, deben tomarse en serio y no esperar a ver qué sucede.

La recuperación es gradual. La punta del dedo cicatriza en semanas, mientras que la sensibilidad, la fuerza y la confianza en el uso del dedo vuelven lentamente a lo largo de meses. La terapia de la mano ayuda a que el resto del dedo siga moviéndose mientras la punta cicatriza. Si aparecen alguno de los problemas mencionados, infórmenos, pues merecen la misma atención que la herida en sí.

¿Cuándo consultar a un especialista?

La mayoría de las lesiones en la punta del dedo pueden esperar hasta una visita al médico de cabecera o a una revisión rutinaria. Sin embargo, algunas no. Acuda a urgencias si la punta del dedo se ha seccionado por completo, si el dedo está pálido, azulado o frío, o si la herida fue causada por fuegos artificiales, maquinaria o una mordedura animal. Estas lesiones pueden afectar simultáneamente a la piel, los músculos, los tendones, los nervios, los vasos sanguíneos y el hueso, por lo que requieren evaluación inmediata. Solicite una valoración por parte de un especialista si presenta entumecimiento, debilidad o dolor que no mejora; si el dedo parece más corto o deformado tras una compresión; o si la herida se enrojece, supura o resulta cada vez más dolorosa. Las lesiones en la punta del dedo en niños deben tomarse en serio y no se debe esperar para atenderlas. La mayoría ocurren en casa, al quedar atrapados entre una puerta o una ventana, y merecen una atención adecuada.

En mayor profundidad

Esta sección profundiza más de lo necesario para que usted tome sus propias decisiones de tratamiento. Las lesiones en la punta de los dedos merecen una lectura adicional, ya que el tratamiento que ofrece los mejores resultados es precisamente aquel que no requiere ninguna intervención quirúrgica; un hallazgo que contradice el instinto natural de cerrar la herida mediante cirugía.

Dejar que la herida cicatrice por vía natural es mejor que cerrarla quirúrgicamente

Cuando se produce una amputación de la yema del dedo, las opciones reconstructivas son utilizar un colgajo, un injerto o, simplemente, aplicar vendajes y esperar: permitiendo así que la herida se cierre por vía secundaria, desde los bordes hacia el interior.

Tras analizar 1,592 casos de cicatrización secundaria, se observó que el manejo conservador de la herida mediante vendajes y férulas protectoras permite a los pacientes evitar la inmovilización y las complicaciones en el sitio donante, lograr una sensibilidad casi normal y una mínima intolerancia al frío, y posibilitar un regreso temprano al trabajo [1].

Son cuatro ventajas distintas, y cada una aborda un inconveniente específico de las alternativas quirúrgicas. Para crear un colgajo es necesario extraer tejido de otra zona, lo que genera una segunda herida y, con frecuencia, obliga a inmovilizar el dedo mientras cicatriza. El tejido del colgajo trae consigo su propio suministro nervioso, que no es el de la yema del dedo; por eso la sensibilidad resultante es distinta. La intolerancia al frío, un problema a largo plazo poco reconocido tras lesiones en la yema del dedo, se observa en niveles mínimos cuando se opta por la cicatrización secundaria.

La yema del dedo posee una capacidad notable para regenerar su propio contorno y sensibilidad, siempre que se le brinden las condiciones adecuadas; esto es especialmente cierto cuando el hueso no queda expuesto. Los principales inconvenientes del enfoque conservador son el tiempo necesario y la frecuencia de los cambios de vendaje; aunque esto supone una carga real, es un problema temporal.

En los casos en que se utiliza un injerto, la edad predice su supervivencia

El uso de injertos compuestos, que reemplazan la parte amputada sin necesidad de reconectar los vasos sanguíneos, se considera viable y eficaz para restaurar un dedo tanto estética como funcionalmente en 720 pacientes. En la mayoría de los casos el injerto sobrevive, y se observa un patrón de supervivencia más marcado en poblaciones más jóvenes [2].

Este efecto de la edad es relevante a la hora de tomar una decisión, pues un injerto compuesto que fracasa deja una herida que, de todos modos, deberá cicatrizar por vías conservadoras, lo que supone una pérdida de tiempo.

Reimplantación: qué puede y qué no puede restaurarse

En casos de amputación completa de un dedo, la reimplantación permite reconectar los vasos sanguíneos. El resumen objetivo de los resultados obtenidos en 619 pacientes indica que la reimplantación de dedos no restaura la función de la mano previa a la lesión, pero sí permite alcanzar una función adecuada de la misma; esta expectativa debe formar parte del proceso de toma de decisiones [3].

Los factores que influyen en la supervivencia del dedo reimplantado también están mejor definidos de lo que se suele creer. En 2,641 casos de reimplantación, el género y el tiempo de isquemia no tuvieron influencia significativa en la supervivencia; en cambio, la edad, la mano afectada, el tipo de lesión, la zona de amputación y el método empleado para preservar el dedo amputado sí influyeron [4].

El hecho de que el tiempo de isquemia no resulte un factor significativo resulta sorprendente, dada la urgencia que requieren estas lesiones. No debe interpretarse como que el tiempo carece de importancia; probablemente refleja que los dedos preservados adecuadamente toleran retrasos mayores de lo esperado, y precisamente por eso el método de preservación resulta crucial. La recomendación práctica es: envolver el dedo amputado en gasa húmeda, colocarlo en una bolsa sellada y poner esa bolsa en hielo; nunca se debe poner el dedo directamente sobre el hielo.

El lecho ungueal es el elemento que determina la apariencia

Gran parte de la apariencia a largo plazo de una lesión en la punta del dedo depende del lecho ungueal que se encuentra debajo de la lámina ungueal. Una laceración del lecho ungueal que se repara correctamente suele dar lugar a una uña normal; en cambio, si no se repara o si cicatriza sobre un fragmento óseo desplazado, la uña quedará permanentemente partida, con surcos o en forma de gancho. Por este motivo, una lesión aparentemente leve que afecta al lecho ungueal se trata con mayor cuidado del que su tamaño podría sugerir.

Referencias

[1] Krauss EM, Lalonde DH. Cicatrización secundaria tras amputaciones de la punta del dedo: una revisión. Hand (N Y). 2014;9(3):282-8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11552-014-9663-5

[2] Elameen AM, Dahy AA, Abu-Elsoud A, Gad AA. Factores que predicen la viabilidad de los injertos compuestos en pacientes con amputación de la punta del dedo: una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis. J Orthop Surg Res. 2024;19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-024-05230-9

[3] Shaterian A, Sayadi LR, Tiourin E, Gardner DJ, Evans GRD, Leis A. Predictores de la función de la mano tras la reimplantación digital: revisión cuantitativa y metaanálisis. Hand (N Y). 2019;16(1):11-7. https://doi.org/10.1177/1558944719834658

[4] Ma Z, Guo F, Qi J, Xiang W, Zhang J. Efectos de los factores no quirúrgicos sobre la tasa de supervivencia tras la reimplantación digital: un metaanálisis. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2015;41(2):157-63. https://doi.org/10.1177/1753193415594572


Evidence & references

This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.

Overview

  • Fingertip injuries in children are common and result in significant burden [1].
  • Most fingertip injuries in children occur at home in a door or window [1].
  • Fingertip injuries in children are mostly preventable [1].
  • The Fingertip Injury Outcome Score (FIOS) is the most complete fingertip-specific outcome instrument [2].
  • FIOS should be adopted as the primary standard for outcome reporting and long-term follow-up across fingertip injuries [2].
  • Conservation of amputated fingertips provides the hand surgeon with new possibilities for late reconstruction of an injured digit [3].
  • The parallelogram flap is a better choice for reconstruction of fingertip injury with bone exposure compared to the homodigital island flap [4].
  • The incidence of infection following distal fingertip amputation and crush injury is 2.5% [5].
  • There is a lack of a meaningful difference in infection rates between groups regarding antibiotic prophylaxis after distal fingertip injuries [5].
  • The low incidence of infection and lack of meaningful difference between groups call into question prophylactic antibiotic prescribing after distal fingertip injuries [5].
  • Secondary procedures are often necessary following hand and digit replants [9].
  • Demographics play a significant role in the decision for finger replantation and its outcomes in pediatric patients [10].
  • Injury factors play a significant role in the decision for finger replantation and its outcomes in pediatric patients [10].
  • Donor finger morbidity is a common occurrence following cross-finger flaps [13].
  • Donor finger morbidity following cross-finger flaps can produce a donor finger that is stiff and cosmetically displeasing [13].
  • There is insufficient evidence to determine the best treatment method for composite defects of the fingertips [19].
  • The lack of prospective randomized trials and disparate retrospective case series contributes to the insufficient evidence for treating composite fingertip defects [19].
  • The philosophy of digital replantation aims to ensure not only the survival of a digit but its functional use as well [26].
  • Current data are inadequate to make comments regarding donor site morbidity for toe-to-thumb transfers [27].
  • An evidence-based recommendation for the superiority of a specific type of toe-to-thumb transfer cannot be made [27].
  • Patient preference is not driving the decrease in finger replantations in the United States [50].

Anatomy & Pathophysiology

Fingertip Definition and Function

  • The fingertip is defined as the portion of the finger distal to the insertion of the flexor and extensor tendons [20].
  • The fingertip is the most commonly injured part of the hand [20].
  • The unique anatomy and specialized structure of the fingertip make it critical for functions such as sensation, fine handling, and gripping [20].
  • The nail plate plays an important role in the normal function of the hand by protecting the fingertip from injury, regulating the circulation of the fingertip, providing the counterforce necessary to pick up small objects, and contributing to the tactile sensation of the fingertip [78].

General Hand Anatomy and Architecture

  • The hand is both an organ designed to obtain information and an organ of execution [34].
  • The hand consists of 19 bones, 17 articulations, and 19 muscles situated entirely within the hand, and about the same number of tendons activated by the forearm muscles [34].
  • The digits are divided into the thumb and four fingers [34].
  • The thumb has a more proximal and lateral position, allowing movement inward and outward from the palm [34].
  • The four fingers are the distal extension of the carpometacarpal part of the hand [34].
  • When the fingers are extended and separated, the tips of the fingers lie on the circumference of a circle whose center is the head of the third metacarpal [34].
  • The hand’s blood and nerve supplies are continuous with those of the rest of the limb [34].
  • Some of the hand's muscles, the extrinsic muscles, arise in the arm and forearm [34].

Cutaneous Anatomy and Functional Units

  • There are “functional cutaneous units” in the hand similar to the ones customarily described in the face [35].
  • The dorsal integument of the distal phalanx is very special because of the nail bed with its matrix [35].
  • The palmar integument of the digits may be subdivided into phalangeal units separated by the digital flexion folds [35].
  • When a digit is completely flexed, the integument of the adjacent phalanges comes into contact in the zones of the flexion creases, establishing areas of cutaneous contact in the form of a diamond [35].
  • The sides of this diamond do not undergo variations in length during the movements of flexion and extension [35].
  • Incisions made along the level of the diamond's sides present a minimal chance of retraction [35].
  • The web spaces are formed from the union of two nonsymmetrical cutaneous surfaces [35].
  • The dorsal slope of the web space has a gradual incline and its supple skin is not adherent to the subjacent region [35].
  • The palmar surface of the web space is flat and precipitously interrupted, and the skin is densely adherent to the commissural skeleton [35].
  • The commissural skeleton is formed by the interdigital palmar (natatory) ligament between the fingers and by the distal transverse ligament at the level of the thumb web [35].

Vascular Anatomy

  • The arteries of the thumb vary in both size and number, making surgical reconstruction delicate [40].
  • The most common variations of the palmar arteries can be schematized by dividing the thumb into three segments defined by the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal flexion creases [40].
  • In the classical layout, the “princeps pollicis” artery crosses the first intermetacarpal space and runs along the ulnar side of the first metacarpal bone [40].
  • The princeps pollicis artery emerges onto the subcutaneous palmar tissue at the level of the cutaneous flexion crease of the metacarpophalangeal joint [40].
  • At the metacarpophalangeal joint, the princeps pollicis divides into two terminal rami, namely the collateral palmar arteries of the thumb [40].
  • The collateral palmar arteries run along the digital tunnel symmetrically and are of equal caliber [40].
  • The collateral palmar arteries head distally to finally unite in the pulp arcade [40].
  • During their transit in the digital tunnel, the collateral palmar arteries break off into numerous collateral branches, either cutaneous, articular or osseous [40].
  • An arcade located deep in the flexor tendon joins together the two arteries at the level of the distal metaphysis of the first phalanx [40].
  • From the distal metaphysis arcade, vessels originate which enter the “vincula” and irrigate the flexor tendon [40].
  • Only 15% of dissections fall into the category of the classical description of the palmar arteries of the thumb [40].
  • In the second segment of the thumb, the two arteries run alongside the flexor tendon and behind the collateral nerves [40].
  • In the second segment, the main artery is the ulnar collateral artery [40].
  • The subtendinous anastomosis situated at the level of the neck of the first phalanx acts as “moderator” between the two arteries [40].
  • In cases where the palmar ulnar collateral artery is absent, the dorsal artery takes its place by means of a branch through the subtendinous arcade [40].
  • In the pulp segment, the two arteries are of similar size and run through the thick fatty subcutaneous padding [40].
  • In the pulp segment, the arteries cross over and convert into the ends of the digital nerves at the level of the median axis [40].
  • The posterior area of the thumb is vascularized by two arteries which originate from the palmar arteries at the level of the first metacarpal [40].
  • These dorsal arteries run laterally along the metacarpophalangeal joint and continue obliquely from volar to dorsal [40].
  • At the level of the neck of the first phalanx, an anastomosis can be found which originates from the palmar arteries [40].
  • The dorsal arteries are joined by three arcades: one inconstant arcade located under the extensor tendon at the level of the neck of the first phalanx, the arcade of the nail matrix, and the arcade of the nailbed [40].

Muscular Anatomy

  • There are seven interosseous muscles, four dorsal and three volar [36].
  • The dorsal interossei are abductors [36].
  • The anatomic axis of the hand coincides with the axis of the third metacarpal [36].
  • The dorsal interossei lie to the radial side of the index and middle fingers and the ulnar side of the middle and ring fingers [36].
  • The little finger is abducted by the abductor digiti quinti [36].
  • The volar interossei are adductors [36].
  • The volar interossei lie to the ulnar side of the index finger and the radial side of the ring and little fingers [36].
  • The middle finger has two dorsal interossei (abductors) and no volar interossei (adductors) because the central axis of the hand lies within it [36].
  • Each dorsal interosseous muscle, with the exception of the third, has two muscle heads [36].
  • The superficial head of the dorsal interosseous arises most dorsally from the shaft of the contiguous metacarpals [36].
  • The superficial head is inserted deeply by a medial tendon onto the lateral tubercle of the base of the proximal phalanx [36].
  • The superficial head abducts and weakly flexes the proximal phalanx [36].
  • The superficial head has no direct effect on the middle or distal phalanges [36].
  • The deep head of each dorsal interosseous muscle forms a lateral tendon, or lateral band, at the level of the MP joint [36].
  • The deep head flexes and weakly abducts the proximal phalanx while extending the middle and distal phalanges [36].
  • At the level of the middle of the proximal phalanx, transverse fibers arch dorsally from each lateral band to join each other over the dorsum of the finger [36].
  • These transverse fibers flex the proximal phalanx [36].
  • More distally, oblique fibers (spiral fibers) from the lateral bands sweep over the distal third of the proximal phalanx to insert onto the lateral tubercles at the base of the middle phalanx [36].
  • The oblique fibers extend the middle phalanx (PIP joint) [36].
  • More distally, the lateral bands are joined by the lateral slips of the extensor tendon to form the conjoined lateral band [36].
  • The two conjoined lateral bands to each finger unite at the distal third of the middle phalanx to form the terminal tendon [36].
  • The terminal tendon inserts at the base of the distal phalanx to extend it [36].
  • The flexor digiti quinti brevis is structurally and functionally similar to the deep head of the dorsal interossei [36].
  • The flexor digiti quinti brevis forms the ulnar lateral band of the little finger [36].
  • The three volar interossei arise from adjacent surfaces of contiguous metacarpal shafts [36].
  • Each volar interosseous muscle has only one muscle head and none of them insert onto the proximal phalanx [36].
  • The volar interossei form the ulnar lateral band of the index finger and the radial lateral band of the ring and little fingers [36].
  • The volar interossei send oblique or spiral fibers that insert onto the base of the middle phalanx at its lateral tubercle [36].
  • All lateral bands are joined by the lateral slips of the extensor tendon to form a conjoined lateral band and finally a terminal tendon that extends to the distal phalanx [36].
  • The abductor digiti quinti and flexor digiti quinti brevis are similar in both structure and function to the superficial and deep heads of the dorsal interossei, respectively [36].
  • The abductor digiti quinti arises from the fifth metacarpal [36].
  • The abductor digiti quinti inserts onto the ulnar lateral tubercle at the base of the proximal phalanx of the little finger [36].
  • The flexor digiti quinti forms the ulnar lateral band [36].
  • The opponens digiti quinti lies deepest among the hypothenar muscles [36].
  • The opponens digiti quinti arises from the pisohamate ligament and the hook of the hamate [36].
  • The opponens digiti quinti inserts onto the ulnar side of the diaphysis of the fifth metacarpal [36].
  • The opponens digiti quinti flexes and supinates the fifth metacarpal [36].

Pathophysiology and Injury Patterns

  • Fingertip injuries in children are common and result in significant burden, yet are mostly preventable [1].
  • The precise management of a fingertip injury in adults depends on the degree of injury itself [7].
  • A number of operative and non-operative techniques may be successfully employed for fingertip injuries in adults [7].
  • Subungual hematomas are caused by crush injuries to the fingertip and are one of the most common injuries to the hand [78].
  • Associated injuries to subungual hematomas include distal phalanx fractures, nail plate disruption, nail matrix laceration, and partial or complete fingertip amputation [78].
  • Without proper treatment, injury to the nail complex (perionychium) has potential complications [78].
  • The conservation of amputated finger-tips provides the hand surgeon with new possibilities for late reconstruction of an injured digit [3].
  • Factors including mechanism of injury, preservation and condition of the amputated part, ischemia time, availability of a trained team at an institution, and adequacy of resources can substantially influence and even preclude the capability of performing a distal replantation [20].
  • Digit replant does not restore premorbid hand function but does result in adequate hand function [52].
  • In addition to injury factors, demographics play a significant role in the decision for finger replantation and its outcomes [10].

Classification

  • Amputations are distinguished into two main categories: complete and incomplete [74].
  • In incomplete amputations, the distal segment is connected to the proximal stump by bridging tissue [74].
  • Incomplete amputations are further divided into incomplete non-viable and incomplete viable amputations based on the viability of the amputated part [74].
  • In incomplete viable amputations, the distal segment maintains sufficient blood circulation and does not need major additional microvascular reconstruction [74].
  • In incomplete non-viable amputations, circulation is inadequate and necessitates microvascular reconstruction [74].
  • Avulsion injuries constitute a distinct category due to extensive damage of vessels and nerves [74].
  • In avulsion injuries, stretched vessel walls and nerve fibers may be found at various distances from the actual severing point [74].
  • The presence of the 'ribbon sign' suggests longitudinally transmitted injury to the vessel wall and indicates poor prognosis [74].
  • Ring injuries are a special type of avulsion injury [74].
  • Urbaniak classified ring injuries into three types [74].
  • Type I ring injuries are characterized by adequate circulation [74].
  • Type II ring injuries are characterized by inadequate circulation and viability of the digit after vessel repair [74].
  • Type III ring injuries are characterized by complete degloving or complete amputation [74].
  • Beris et al. further divided complete amputated ring avulsion injuries into two subtypes based on the involvement of the PIP joint and the rupture of the flexor tendon [74].
  • Ring injuries are defined as class IIIa in case of skin avulsions at the level of the proximal phalanx, amputation at the distal interphalangeal joint with an intact flexor digitorum superficialis [74].
  • Ring injuries are defined as class IIIb in case of skin avulsion and complete amputation at the level of the proximal phalanx, with severance [74].
  • Hand wounds are classified according to the method or agent of injury into two main types: lacerating violence and crushing violence [75].
  • Lacerating injuries are caused by cutting instruments, sharp pieces of metal, and glass [75].
  • Crushing injuries are open contusions seen after the hand has been caught in power presses, doors, and hammers [75].
  • Open contusions are more severe than lacerations of the same extent due to a higher incidence of damage to bone and other deep structures [75].
  • Open contusions are more severe than lacerations of the same extent due to progressive oedema for the first twenty-four to forty-eight hours after injury [75].
  • Open contusions are more severe than lacerations of the same extent due to the indeterminate extent of deep-tissue loss in the early stages [75].
  • The natural history of open contusion wounds is for healing to take two to three weeks [75].
  • Healing in lacerating injuries may be expected in one week after full orthodox treatment [75].

Clinical Presentation

History and Epidemiology

  • Fingertip injuries in children are common and result in significant burden, yet are mostly preventable, with most injuries occurring at home in a door or window [1].
  • Assessment of patients with fingertip injuries should include a focused history including age, sex, handedness, mechanism of injury, occupation, smoking status, medical comorbidities, tetanus vaccination, and previous operations on the affected hand [6].
  • The examiner should also elicit any subjective symptoms including numbness, weakness, or pain [6].
  • Patients presenting with abuse are significantly more likely to have fingertip injuries during childhood compared with those without recorded abuse, which suggests that these injuries may be ones of abuse or neglect [11].
  • In non-work-related finger amputations in the United States (2001-2002), hand injuries are common presentations in the emergency department [46].
  • In upper extremity amputations from lawn mower-related injuries, 40- to 60-year-old men were most often involved, most commonly leading to amputation of the third finger in isolation [22].

Physical Examination and Evaluation

  • Clinical evaluation of the injured or dysfunctional hand and wrist can be a daunting task because painless and full hand function requires seamless integration of joints, muscles, and nerves to complete even the most basic task [17].
  • Patients often have difficulty accurately describing their symptoms and may incorrectly attribute pathology to a perceived deficit, whether real or imagined [17].
  • The task of the astute clinician is to combine the patient history with a careful physical examination to pinpoint or at least narrow the scope of possible pathologic processes [17].
  • Diagnostic tests such as imaging and serum laboratory studies are useful in this determination but can be expensive, time consuming, and often nonspecific [17].
  • A careful physical examination is essential to direct care and future testing if indicated [17].
  • With so many structures in such a small space, a systematic method to approaching the physical examination is essential [17].
  • Some clinicians may prefer to organize their examination by anatomic location or region of the hand, while others may choose to proceed by organ system or pathology [17].

Functional Outcomes and Comorbidities

  • FIOS is the most complete fingertip-specific outcome instrument and should be adopted as the primary standard for outcome reporting and long-term follow-up across fingertip injuries [2].
  • There is a correlation between experienced loss of function and an estimated diagnosis of major depression in patients with a fingertip injury [8].

Investigations

  • The examiner should elicit subjective symptoms including numbness, weakness, or pain during the assessment of fingertip injuries [6].
  • A correlation exists between experienced loss of function and an estimated diagnosis of major depression in patients with a fingertip injury [8].
  • Patients presenting with abuse are significantly more likely to have fingertip injuries during childhood compared with those without recorded abuse [11].
  • Radial-digit involvement and no prior tobacco use were associated with replantation success [23].

Treatment

General Principles and Evaluation

  • The examiner should elicit any subjective symptoms including numbness, weakness, or pain during the assessment of patients with fingertip injuries [6].
  • A number of operative and non-operative techniques may be successfully employed for the management of a fingertip injury in adults [7].

Non-Operative Management

  • Conservative treatment with semiocclusive dressings has become more acceptable due to excellent results in restoring contour, sensibility, and aesthetics for fingertip and thumb tip injuries [59].
  • The low incidence of infection (2.5%) and lack of a meaningful difference between groups call into question prophylactic antibiotic prescribing after distal fingertip injuries [5].

Operative Management: Replantation and Revascularization

  • Although replantation of an amputated fingertip may be the best way to achieve aesthetic and functional reconstruction, this is not always possible [20].
  • The most significant guideline underlining the philosophy of digital replantation today reflects the aim of not only ensuring the survival of a digit, but its functional use as well [26].
  • Age alone should not be an absolute contraindication to finger replantation [45].
  • The need for a vein graft for a large zone of injury should not be considered a relative contraindication to perform revascularization or replantation of dysvascular digits [47].
  • Age, injured hand, injury type, zone, and the method of preservation the amputated digit significantly influence the survival rate of digital replantation [55].
  • The treatment of the mutilated hand is perhaps the most challenging acute hand injury that hand surgeons treat [12].
  • Venous congestion after digital replantation or revascularization threatens digit survival in the immediate postoperative period [56].
  • External bloodletting, including leech therapy, provides a central role in salvage of the congested finger following digital replantation or revascularization [56].
  • Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) maintains wound homeostasis and reduces wound exudate and soft tissue edema in the treatment of extremity salvage [57].
  • Use of NPWT on the amputation stump may shorten the delay from initial ectopic banking to subsequent delayed replantation [57].

Operative Management: Flap Reconstruction

  • When replantation of a fingertip amputation is not possible, flap reconstruction may be necessary for a functional and aesthetically pleasing outcome [20].
  • There is insufficient evidence to determine the best treatment method for composite defects of the fingertips due to the lack of prospective randomized trials and disparate retrospective case series [19].
  • After surgery for direct dorsal digital island flaps, the injured finger is placed in a splint with the interphalangeal joints in slight flexion and the metacarpophalangeal joint in extension position so as to maintain a tension-free pedicle [58].
  • Patients treated with direct dorsal digital island flaps have the splint removed and start active range-of-motion exercises with the help of a physical therapist after 2 weeks [58].
  • A reversed digital artery island flap based on the ulnar digital artery can be used to reconstruct full-thickness electrical burn defects at the fingertip [49].
  • The secondary defect following a reversed digital artery island flap can be closed with a full thickness skin graft [49].

Rehabilitation

  • Clinical outcomes indicate that remote and in-person hand therapy provide similar results for patients with flexor tendon repairs in zones 1 and 2 [25].

Complications

  • There is no meaningful difference in infection rates between groups regarding prophylactic antibiotic prescribing after distal fingertip injuries [5].
  • Unplanned reoperation occurred in 44% of patients treated with repair for combined index finger injury [67].
  • Unplanned reoperation occurred in 21% of patients treated with immediate amputation for combined index finger injury [67].
  • Patients are twice as likely to have an unplanned reoperation after a repair for combined injury of the index finger compared with an immediate amputation [67].
  • Six patients (18%) had amputation after initial repair of a combined index finger injury [67].
  • Patients who had a reoperation for fingers other than the index finger were at risk for unplanned reoperation after repair [67].
  • Women were more likely to have an unplanned reoperation than men following combined index finger injury [67].
  • Patients who had a ray amputation were at risk for unplanned reoperation after immediate amputation [67].
  • There is no significant difference in the incidence of unplanned or secondary revision of fingertip amputation rate after the initial procedure was performed in the emergency department versus the operating room [70].
  • Donor finger morbidity from cross-finger flaps can produce a donor finger that is stiff and cosmetically displeasing [13].

Recovery

  • Remote and in-person hand therapy provide similar clinical results for patients with flexor tendon repairs in zones 1 and 2 [25].
  • Both functional outcomes and patient-reported outcomes together facilitate a comprehensive assessment of the benefits of replantation for amputation injuries in the hand [53].
  • The results of delaying replantation of digits overnight give results comparable with those of immediate replantation in selected cases [62].

Key Evidence

  • [L4] Fingertip injuries in children are common and result in significant burden, yet are mostly preventable, with most injuries occurring at home in a door or window. [1] (10.1177/1558944716670139)
  • [L3] FIOS is the most complete fingertip-specific outcome instrument and should be adopted as the primary standard for outcome reporting and long-term follow-up across fingertip injuries. [2] (10.2106/jbjs.rvw.25.00128)
  • [L4] The conservation of these finger-tips provides the hand surgeon with new possibilities for late reconstruction of an injured digit. [3] (10.1016/s0020-1383(73)80022-1)
  • [L2] This method is a better choice for reconstruction of fingertip injury. [4] (10.1186/s13018-022-03214-1)
  • [L3] The low incidence of infection (2.5%) and lack of a meaningful difference between groups call into question prophylactic antibiotic prescribing after these distal fingertip injuries. [5] (10.1016/j.jhsg.2023.07.010)
  • [L5] [6] (10.5435/jaaos-d-24-00818)
  • [Paper] However, the precise management of a fingertip injury in adults depends on the degree of injury itself, and a number of operative and non-operative techniques may be successfully employed. [7] (10.1016/j.injury.2017.10.042)
  • [L3] We have found a correlation between experienced loss of function and an estimated diagnosis of major depression in patients with a fingertip injury. [8] (10.1177/15589447211060456)
  • [Paper] Secondary procedures are often necessary following hand and digit replants. [9] (10.1055/s-0039-1681981)
  • [L3] Our findings demonstrate that in addition to injury factors, demographics play a significant role in the decision for finger replantation and its outcomes. [10] (10.1177/1558944719873150)
  • [L3] Patients presenting with abuse are significantly more likely to have fingertip injuries during childhood compared with those without recorded abuse, which suggests that these injuries may be ones of abuse or neglect. [11] (10.1016/j.jhsg.2019.09.001)
  • [L5] The treatment of the mutilated hand is perhaps the most challenging acute hand injury that hand surgeons treat. [12] (10.1016/s0749-0712(02)00137-3)
  • [L4] We can confirm the anecdotal reports of donor finger morbidity and have shown that these are in fact a common occurrence, and at times produce a donor finger which is both stiff and cosmetically displeasing. [13] (10.1016/s0020-1383(99)00205-3)
  • [L5] There is insufficient evidence to determine the best treatment method for composite defects of the fingertips due to the lack of prospective randomized trials and disparate retrospective case series. [19] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2008.07.001)
  • [L5] [20] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2015.02.010)
  • [L4] When these events did occur, 40- to 60-year-old men were most often involved, most commonly leading to amputation of the third finger in isolation. [22] (10.1177/15589447241300697)
  • [L4] Radial-digit involvement and no prior tobacco use were associated with replantation success. [23] (10.2106/jbjs.l.01219)
  • [L3] Clinical outcomes indicate that remote and in-person hand therapy provide similar results for patients with flexor tendon repairs in zones 1 and 2. [25] (10.1177/15589447251339498)
  • [L5] The most significant guideline underlining the philosophy of digital replantation today reflects the aim of not only ensuring the survival of a digit, but its functional use as well. [26] (10.1054/jhsb.2001.0595)
  • [L2] The current data are inadequate to make any comments with regards to donor site morbidity, and an evidence-based recommendation for the superiority of a specific type of toe-to-thumb transfer cannot be made. [27] (10.1007/s11552-011-9340-x)
  • [L3] Age alone should not be an absolute contraindication to finger replantation. [45] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2011.01.031)
  • [L4] [46] (10.1016/j.annemergmed.2004.10.012)
  • [L3] The need for a vein graft for a large zone of injury should not be considered a relative contraindication to perform revascularization or replantation of dysvascular digits. [47] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2017.06.080)
  • [L5] [49] (10.1016/s0020-1383(03)00100-1)
  • [L3] Patient preference is not driving the decrease in finger replantations in the US. [50] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2015.05.026)
  • [L1] Digit replant does not restore premorbid hand function but does result in adequate hand function. [52] (10.1177/1558944719834658)
  • [L4] Both functional outcomes and patient-reported outcomes together facilitate a comprehensive assessment of the benefits of replantation for amputation injuries in the hand. [53] (10.1016/j.hcl.2018.12.008)
  • [L5] Age, injured hand, injury type, zone, and the method of preservation the amputated digit significantly influence the survival rate of digital replantation. [55] (10.1177/1753193415594572)
  • [L5] [56] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2020.03.026)
  • [L4] [57] (10.1016/j.hcl.2019.01.002)
  • [L4] [58] (10.1016/j.injury.2014.08.030)
  • [L5] The article provides an update on the most commonly used flaps and semiocclusive dressing treatments for fingertip and thumb tip injuries, noting that conservative treatment with semiocclusive dressings has become more acceptable due to excellent results in restoring contour, sensibility, and aesthetics. [59] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2017.01.022)
  • [L4] The results of delaying replantation of digits overnight give results comparable with those of immediate replantation in selected cases. [62] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2018.03.047)
  • [L4] [67] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2015.12.013)
  • [L3] There is no significant difference in the incidence of unplanned/secondary revision of fingertip amputation rate after the initial procedure was performed in the ED versus the OR. [70] (10.1177/1558944718790577)
  • [L4] [74] (10.1007/s00402-009-1021-7)
  • [L4] [75] (10.2106/00004623-195537030-00006)
  • [L5] [78] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.04.009)

References

[1] Fingertip Injuries in Children: Epidemiology, Financial Burden, and Implications for Prevention. HAND. 2016. DOI: 10.1177/1558944716670139

[2] Outcome Scores for Fingertip Injuries. JBJS Reviews. 2025. DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.rvw.25.00128

[3] Preservation of amputated finger-tips. Injury. 1973. DOI: 10.1016/s0020-1383(73)80022-1

[4] Parallelogram flap versus homodigital island flap in the treatment of fingertip defects with bone exposure: a prospective controlled study. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2022. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-022-03214-1

[5] Antibiotic Prophylaxis in the Management of Distal Fingertip Amputation and Crush Injury. Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online. 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2023.07.010

[6] Fingertip Injuries: A Review and Update on Management. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2024. DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-24-00818

[7] Management of partial fingertip amputation in adults: Operative and non operative treatment. Injury. 2017. DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2017.10.042

[8] A Threshold QuickDASH Score for Estimating a Diagnosis of Major Depression in Patients With Fingertip Injuries in the American and Dutch Population. HAND. 2021. DOI: 10.1177/15589447211060456

[9] Characteristics of Secondary Procedures following Digit and Hand Replantation. Journal of Hand and Microsurgery. 2019. DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1681981

[10] Pediatric Digit Replantation Following Traumatic Amputation: Nationwide Analysis of Patient Selection, Outcomes, and Cost. HAND. 2019. DOI: 10.1177/1558944719873150

[11] Pediatric Fingertip Injuries: Association With Child Abuse. Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online. 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2019.09.001

[12] Replantation in the mutilated hand. Hand Clinics. 2003. DOI: 10.1016/s0749-0712(02)00137-3

[13] Donor finger morbidity in cross-finger flaps. Injury. 2000. DOI: 10.1016/s0020-1383(99)00205-3

[17] Orthopaedic Knowledge Update 13 Ebook Without Multimedia. Anatomy, Evaluation, Clinical Examination, and Imaging > Evaluation and Clinical Examination: Current Concepts.

[19] Fingertip Reconstruction. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2008. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2008.07.001

[20] Reconstruction of Fingertip Injuries: Surgical Tips and Avoiding Complications. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2015. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2015.02.010

[22] Epidemiological Analysis of Upper Extremity Amputations From Lawn Mower–Related Injuries. HAND. 2024. DOI: 10.1177/15589447241300697

[23] Digit Replantation. The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. 2013. DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.l.01219

[25] Telerehabilitation After Zone 1 and 2 Flexor Tendon Repairs: Comparison With In-Person Therapy. HAND. 2025. DOI: 10.1177/15589447251339498

[26] Indications and Selection for Digital Amputation and Replantation. Journal of Hand Surgery. 2001. DOI: 10.1054/jhsb.2001.0595

[27] A Systematic Review of Outcomes of Toe-to-Thumb Transfers for Isolated Traumatic Thumb Amputation. HAND. 2011. DOI: 10.1007/s11552-011-9340-x

[34] Exam Of The Hand Wrist 2Ed. INTRODUCTION.

[35] Exam Of The Hand Wrist 2Ed. Functional cutaneous units.

[36] Green S Operative Hand Surgery. Interosseous and Hypothenar Muscles.

[40] Exam Of The Hand Wrist 2Ed. Techniques of investigation of the arterial supply by J P Melki > Vascularization of the thumb > Palmar aspect.

[45] Adverse Events Following Digital Replantation in the Elderly. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2011. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2011.01.031

[46] Non–Work-Related Finger Amputations in the United States, 2001-2002. Annals of Emergency Medicine. 2005. DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2004.10.012

[47] Survival Rate of Revascularization and Replantation of Digits with Vein Graft Versus Direct Arterial Anastomosis. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2017. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2017.06.080

[49] Reverse digital artery island flap in the elderly. Injury. 2004. DOI: 10.1016/s0020-1383(03)00100-1

[50] A Comparative Study of Attitudes Regarding Digit Replantation in the United States and Japan. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2015. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2015.05.026

[52] Predictors of Hand Function Following Digit Replantation: Quantitative Review and Meta-Analysis. HAND. 2019. DOI: 10.1177/1558944719834658

[53] Outcomes Following Replantation/Revascularization in the Hand. Hand Clinics. 2019. DOI: 10.1016/j.hcl.2018.12.008

[55] Effects of non-surgical factors on digital replantation survival rate: a meta-analysis. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2015. DOI: 10.1177/1753193415594572

[56] Leech Therapy Following Digital Replantation and Revascularization. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2020.03.026

[57] Revascularization and Replantation in the Hand. Hand Clinics. 2019. DOI: 10.1016/j.hcl.2019.01.002

[58] Direct and reversed dorsal digital island flaps: A review of 65 cases. Injury. 2014. DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2014.08.030

[59] Fingertip and Thumb Tip Wounds: Changing Algorithms for Sensation, Aesthetics, and Function. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2017. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2017.01.022

[62] Immediate Versus Overnight-Delayed Digital Replantation: Comparative Retrospective Cohort Study of Survival Outcomes. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2018. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2018.03.047

[67] Reoperation After Combined Injury of the Index Finger: Repair Versus Immediate Amputation. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2016. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2015.12.013

[70] Cost-Effectiveness of Initial Revision Digit Amputation Performed in the Emergency Department Versus the Operating Room. HAND. 2018. DOI: 10.1177/1558944718790577

[74] Digit and hand replantation. Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery. 2009. DOI: 10.1007/s00402-009-1021-7

[75] THE CARE OF OPEN INJURIES OF THE HAND AND FINGERS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE TREATMEN OF TRAUMATIC AMPUTATIONS. The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. 1955. DOI: 10.2106/00004623-195537030-00006

[78] Controversies in the Treatment of Nail Bed Injuries. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2013. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.04.009

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Section 2 -- Scope.

a. License grant.

1. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Public License, the Licensor hereby grants You a worldwide, royalty-free, non-sublicensable, non-exclusive, irrevocable license to exercise the Licensed Rights in the Licensed Material to:

a. reproduce and Share the Licensed Material, in whole or in part, for NonCommercial purposes only; and

b. produce, reproduce, and Share Adapted Material for NonCommercial purposes only.

2. Exceptions and Limitations. For the avoidance of doubt, where Exceptions and Limitations apply to Your use, this Public License does not apply, and You do not need to comply with its terms and conditions.

3. Term. The term of this Public License is specified in Section 6(a).

4. Media and formats; technical modifications allowed. The Licensor authorizes You to exercise the Licensed Rights in all media and formats whether now known or hereafter created, and to make technical modifications necessary to do so. The Licensor waives and/or agrees not to assert any right or authority to forbid You from making technical modifications necessary to exercise the Licensed Rights, including technical modifications necessary to circumvent Effective Technological Measures. For purposes of this Public License, simply making modifications authorized by this Section 2(a) (4) never produces Adapted Material.

5. Downstream recipients.

a. Offer from the Licensor -- Licensed Material. Every recipient of the Licensed Material automatically receives an offer from the Licensor to exercise the Licensed Rights under the terms and conditions of this Public License.

b. No downstream restrictions. You may not offer or impose any additional or different terms or conditions on, or apply any Effective Technological Measures to, the Licensed Material if doing so restricts exercise of the Licensed Rights by any recipient of the Licensed Material.

6. No endorsement. Nothing in this Public License constitutes or may be construed as permission to assert or imply that You are, or that Your use of the Licensed Material is, connected with, or sponsored, endorsed, or granted official status by, the Licensor or others designated to receive attribution as provided in Section 3(a)(1)(A)(i).

b. Other rights.

1. Moral rights, such as the right of integrity, are not licensed under this Public License, nor are publicity, privacy, and/or other similar personality rights; however, to the extent possible, the Licensor waives and/or agrees not to assert any such rights held by the Licensor to the limited extent necessary to allow You to exercise the Licensed Rights, but not otherwise.

2. Patent and trademark rights are not licensed under this Public License.

3. To the extent possible, the Licensor waives any right to collect royalties from You for the exercise of the Licensed Rights, whether directly or through a collecting society under any voluntary or waivable statutory or compulsory licensing scheme. In all other cases the Licensor expressly reserves any right to collect such royalties, including when the Licensed Material is used other than for NonCommercial purposes.

Section 3 -- License Conditions.

Your exercise of the Licensed Rights is expressly made subject to the following conditions.

a. Attribution.

1. If You Share the Licensed Material (including in modified form), You must:

a. retain the following if it is supplied by the Licensor with the Licensed Material:

i. identification of the creator(s) of the Licensed Material and any others designated to receive attribution, in any reasonable manner requested by the Licensor (including by pseudonym if designated);

ii. a copyright notice;

iii. a notice that refers to this Public License;

iv. a notice that refers to the disclaimer of warranties;

v. a URI or hyperlink to the Licensed Material to the extent reasonably practicable;

b. indicate if You modified the Licensed Material and retain an indication of any previous modifications; and

c. indicate the Licensed Material is licensed under this Public License, and include the text of, or the URI or hyperlink to, this Public License.

2. You may satisfy the conditions in Section 3(a)(1) in any reasonable manner based on the medium, means, and context in which You Share the Licensed Material. For example, it may be reasonable to satisfy the conditions by providing a URI or hyperlink to a resource that includes the required information.

3. If requested by the Licensor, You must remove any of the information required by Section 3(a)(1)(A) to the extent reasonably practicable.

4. If You Share Adapted Material You produce, the Adapter's License You apply must not prevent recipients of the Adapted Material from complying with this Public License.

Section 4 -- Sui Generis Database Rights.

Where the Licensed Rights include Sui Generis Database Rights that apply to Your use of the Licensed Material:

a. for the avoidance of doubt, Section 2(a)(1) grants You the right to extract, reuse, reproduce, and Share all or a substantial portion of the contents of the database for NonCommercial purposes only;

b. if You include all or a substantial portion of the database contents in a database in which You have Sui Generis Database Rights, then the database in which You have Sui Generis Database Rights (but not its individual contents) is Adapted Material; and

c. You must comply with the conditions in Section 3(a) if You Share all or a substantial portion of the contents of the database.

For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 4 supplements and does not replace Your obligations under this Public License where the Licensed Rights include other Copyright and Similar Rights.

Section 5 -- Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Liability.

a. UNLESS OTHERWISE SEPARATELY UNDERTAKEN BY THE LICENSOR, TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, THE LICENSOR OFFERS THE LICENSED MATERIAL AS-IS AND AS-AVAILABLE, AND MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND CONCERNING THE LICENSED MATERIAL, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY, OR OTHER. THIS INCLUDES, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF TITLE, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, ABSENCE OF LATENT OR OTHER DEFECTS, ACCURACY, OR THE PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF ERRORS, WHETHER OR NOT KNOWN OR DISCOVERABLE. WHERE DISCLAIMERS OF WARRANTIES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN FULL OR IN PART, THIS DISCLAIMER MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

b. TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, IN NO EVENT WILL THE LICENSOR BE LIABLE TO YOU ON ANY LEGAL THEORY (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, NEGLIGENCE) OR OTHERWISE FOR ANY DIRECT, SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, OR OTHER LOSSES, COSTS, EXPENSES, OR DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THIS PUBLIC LICENSE OR USE OF THE LICENSED MATERIAL, EVEN IF THE LICENSOR HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH LOSSES, COSTS, EXPENSES, OR DAMAGES. WHERE A LIMITATION OF LIABILITY IS NOT ALLOWED IN FULL OR IN PART, THIS LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

c. The disclaimer of warranties and limitation of liability provided above shall be interpreted in a manner that, to the extent possible, most closely approximates an absolute disclaimer and waiver of all liability.

Section 6 -- Term and Termination.

a. This Public License applies for the term of the Copyright and Similar Rights licensed here. However, if You fail to comply with this Public License, then Your rights under this Public License terminate automatically.

b. Where Your right to use the Licensed Material has terminated under Section 6(a), it reinstates:

1. automatically as of the date the violation is cured, provided it is cured within 30 days of Your discovery of the violation; or

2. upon express reinstatement by the Licensor.

For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 6(b) does not affect any right the Licensor may have to seek remedies for Your violations of this Public License.

c. For the avoidance of doubt, the Licensor may also offer the Licensed Material under separate terms or conditions or stop distributing the Licensed Material at any time; however, doing so will not terminate this Public License.

d. Sections 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8 survive termination of this Public License.

Section 7 -- Other Terms and Conditions.

a. The Licensor shall not be bound by any additional or different terms or conditions communicated by You unless expressly agreed.

b. Any arrangements, understandings, or agreements regarding the Licensed Material not stated herein are separate from and independent of the terms and conditions of this Public License.

Section 8 -- Interpretation.

a. For the avoidance of doubt, this Public License does not, and shall not be interpreted to, reduce, limit, restrict, or impose conditions on any use of the Licensed Material that could lawfully be made without permission under this Public License.

b. To the extent possible, if any provision of this Public License is deemed unenforceable, it shall be automatically reformed to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable. If the provision cannot be reformed, it shall be severed from this Public License without affecting the enforceability of the remaining terms and conditions.

c. No term or condition of this Public License will be waived and no failure to comply consented to unless expressly agreed to by the Licensor.

d. Nothing in this Public License constitutes or may be interpreted as a limitation upon, or waiver of, any privileges and immunities that apply to the Licensor or You, including from the legal processes of any jurisdiction or authority.


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