How do you treat a tuft fracture?
Tuft fractures can be treated with immobilization using a clam-shell type splint, while unstable transverse shaft fractures are ideally managed with operative fixation consisting of a longitudinal Kirschner wire or screw [1].
What is a tuft fracture?
A tuft fracture is frequently an open fracture due to its common association with injury to the surrounding soft tissues or nail bed. Even without surrounding soft tissue injury, the fracture is considered open in the presence of a nail bed injury.
Is a tuft fracture a break?
A tuft fracture refers to a fracture or break through the very tip of the bone that sits under the fingernail (distal phalanx). This can occur with a crush injury, such as when a finger is accidently caught in a closing door. This is a very common injury and generally heals very well.
What is a tuft fracture of the distal phalanx?
Often a distal phalanx fracture is a “tuft” fracture, which means that a small fragment or fragments of bone are chipped off the edge of the distal phalanx. These bone injuries do not require wiring or pinning, as they will heal by themselves.
Does tuft fracture need splint?
Tuft fractures are treated by caring for the accompanying soft-tissue injury and splinting of the finger to prevent further discomfort or injury.
Do tuft fractures need surgery?
Answer: The most common fracture of the distal phalanx is a tuft fracture. The tuft is the most distal portion of the phalanx. They are typically treated non-operatively with splinting in extension for two to three weeks.
Do you need to splint a tuft fracture?
What does tuft fracture look like?
What are the signs and symptoms of a tuft fracture? Most people will notice that the finger or thumb tip is swollen and tender to touch. You may also have some bruising and you might find it difficult to bend the finger or thumb. In some cases the skin or the nail will break or may become bruised.
How long does it take for tuft fracture to heal?
Healing: This normally takes approximately 4-6 weeks to heal. finger to be a bit achy and swollen for a couple of months after this type of injury. splint or you can strap your fingers together for comfort. It is important to use the hand and keep the rest of the finger bending to stop it becoming stiff.
Does a tuft fracture need surgery?
Do tuft fractures require antibiotics?
Traditionally, these fractures have been treated with prophylactic antibiotics after repair, according to principles of open fracture treatment. Infection rates following crush injury to the fingertip range from 4% to 6%.
How long does it take for a Tufts fracture to heal?
Healing: This normally takes approximately 4-6 weeks to heal. finger to be a bit achy and swollen for a couple of months after this type of injury.
How long does a broken finger tuft take to heal?
Typically, tuft fractures heal quite well over a period of several weeks. If there is a cut associated with the fracture, you should watch closely for infection in the fingertip. MEASURES YOU SHOULD TAKE TO HELP TREAT YOUR FINGER FRACTURE: 1.
Do tuft fractures require surgery?