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Digital artery damage associated with closed crush injuries
D S Reagan1, A B Grundberg, J M Reagan
1Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons P.C. West Des Moines, Iowa 50266, USA. dreagan@dmos.com
Journal of Hand Surgery (Edinburgh, Scotland)
|August 7, 2002
Summary
Closed finger crush injuries can cause blood supply loss. Prompt evaluation and revascularization are crucial for finger survival, preventing necrosis and amputation.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Hand Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Closed finger crush injuries are common hand traumas.
- Assessing vascular compromise in these injuries is critical.
Observation:
- Seven patients (eight fingers) with closed finger crush injuries and vascular compromise were studied.
- Clinical signs included sensory deficits, discoloration, and poor capillary refill.
- Associated fractures, particularly transverse fractures near finger joints, were frequent.
Findings:
- Revascularization was performed on seven injured fingers, all of which survived.
- One finger that did not undergo exploration resulted in necrosis and required amputation.
- Early recognition of ischemic signs is vital.
Implications:
- Finger crush injuries with fractures require urgent assessment for vascular compromise.
- Timely surgical exploration and revascularization can prevent digit loss.
- This highlights the importance of evaluating ischemic symptoms in finger trauma.