If the person’s symptoms are debilitating, they may require further surgery. This can cause severe pain in a small area. These may include phantom or abnormal sensations, pain, and cold sensitivity.Ī neuroma, which is an enlarged nerve end, can also occur. The American Society for Surgery of the Hand note that a person may experience symptoms associated with severed nerves following an amputated finger. receiving electrical stimulation to the nerves in the hand.using compression wraps to reduce swelling.They may also suggest additional therapies, including: Physical therapyĪ healthcare professional such as a physiotherapist or specialized hand therapist may recommend exercises to improve range of motion and strengthen the affected hand and fingers. The person may require pain medications as well as physical therapy. The person will retain the ability to use their injured finger.Ī severed finger injury may take several months to heal, after which point a person may still experience mild-to-severe pain and cold sensitivity for up to a year (or sometimes permanently). This is when they shorten the bone slightly so that they can stitch the wound closed. If the bone is exposed, a person may require reconstructive flap surgery.Ī surgeon may also suggest exposed bone shortening. The healthcare professional may move a full-thickness flap of skin - containing fat, blood vessels, and healthy skin - from the person’s hand and use it to cover the wounded area. Skin grafts may not be suitable for more severe tissue injuries. They will then stitch the donor area and the wound closed. In other cases, a person may require surgical intervention: Skin graftingĪ healthcare professional will take an area of skin from the person’s forearm or outer area of the hand and graft it onto the injured area. In some cases, the healthcare professional will leave the wound open to heal gradually on its own. Recovery time is in the range of 2–4 weeks. They can usually start the range-of-motion exercises after 48 hours. The AAOS note that after 24–48 hours, a person may need to soak the finger in warm, soapy water or saline solution once per day. If the injury is a simple cut or laceration, they will likely place stitches to close the wound. If there is no exposed bone, a healthcare professional may place a dressing over the injury and prescribe cleaning solutions and range-of-motion exercises. The sections below will look at some treatment options depending on the severity of the injury. They will treat the amputated or damaged area of the finger depending on the severity of the injury. The healthcare professional may order X-rays if they suspect broken bones, and they may prescribe an antibiotic or provide a tetanus shot. This procedure is called debridement, according to the AAOS. They will examine the finger for missing tissue or exposed bone and remove contaminants and dead tissue. Healthcare professionals will treat shock differently depending on the underlying cause.Ī healthcare professional may administer a numbing injection and wash the affected area with a saline solution. Learn more about how to perform CPR here. If they stop breathing, a person should perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Turn them on their side if they are vomiting.Use a blanket or coat to help keep them warm.Help the person lie down and elevate their feet.Avoid giving the person anything to eat or drink.To assist someone who may be experiencing shock: Shock occurs when the body’s cells do not receive enough oxygen-rich blood as a result of an illness or injury.Ī person may experience shock after severing a finger. There, a healthcare professional can treat the wound and may be able to reattach the severed part of the finger. Take the amputated part to the emergency room.Do not allow the severed part of the finger to touch the ice directly, as this could further damage it. Put the sealed bag into another sealed container on ice.Wrap the amputated part in a damp paper towel and place it in a sealed, watertight bag or container.If the fingertip or finger is completely detached from the hand, someone should: Keep the affected hand steady with a short splint.Elevate the injured hand to reduce swelling.Gently cover the area in a moist gauze wrap.Carefully clean the amputated area with water or a sterile saline solution. Dealing with the injuryĪfter the initial injury, someone should apply firm pressure to the bleeding area and: The sections below will look at first aid for a severed finger in more detail. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) note that while the person is preparing to see a doctor, someone else should administer careful first aid. If a person has severed their finger, it is important that they see a medical professional as soon as possible. Share on Pinterest Phach Mn Theiyn Mni/EyeEm/Getty Images
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