Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the subjective morbidity caused by open fingertip injury. We conducted a retrospective case review of patients treated for open finger-tip injuries between May 2003 and August 2004. Patients completed a DASH questionnaire and a pro-forma was used to assess their symptoms related to cold exposure, functional deficits and impact on activities of daily living. Various objective measures of function and sensory function were also undertaken. Out of 31 patients, 14 responded. Average follow-up time post-injury was 20 months. Injuries were classified as ‘crush’ (79%) or ‘incisional’ (21%). Numbness and tingling was the most frequently experienced symptom (11/14, 79%) and 50% experienced pain and discomfort on a regular basis. ‘Cold-intolerance’ was reported by 12/14 patients (86%) and most found this troublesome, with a mean severity score of 6.8 (out of 10). Some individuals had specific problems with activities of daily living; however mean DASH score was only 6.5%. In this small sample, patients continued to experience symptoms long-term after treatment of open fingertip injury, particularly ‘cold intolerance’ or ‘Trauma-Induced Cold Associated Symptoms’ (TICAS).
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.