Fingertip injuries in children treated in Department of Pediatric Surgery and Oncology in the years 2008-2010.

BACKGROUND: Fingertip injuries are the most common hand injuries in children seeking medical advice at trauma care centres. Most cases are treated conservatively and hospitalisation is not necessary. However, surgery under general anaesthesia is often required on account of severity of the injuries and the patients' young age. The aim of the paper is to discuss a series of patients treated in the Department of Paediatric Surgery and Oncology between 2008 and 2010, and present the problems associated with surgical care in fingertip injuries in children.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 76 children were treated in the Department of Pediatric Surgery and Oncology between 2008 and 2010 because of fingertip injuries. This group is estimated to represent approx. 10% of all patients admitted to the Emergency Unit. Fingertip injuries were treated with situation sutures, V-Y-plasty, suturing back the amputated fingertip and by suturing into thenar skin. Data were extracted from medical files and presented as percentages.

RESULTS: There were 50 boys in the group of 76 children (65.79%). Mean age was 7 years. Most of the patients were children aged 1 to 5 years (36 patients, 47.37%). In 45 children (59%), the right hand was injured. Injury to fingers responsible for the pincer grasp occurred in 29 children (38.16%).

CONCLUSIONS: Fingertip injuries are among the most common injuries in children and preservation of the hand's motor abilities depends on thorough surgical care. Most children with fingertip injuries are treated in Emergency Units and only 10% of patients need surgery under general anaesthesia after hospital admission. A number of surgical techniques can be used in the management of fingertip injuries in children. These techniques represent adaptations of methods used in adults. A model for the evaluation of severity and management of fingertip injuries in children should be established.