Secondary Intention Healing for Fingertip Amputations in a Tropical Climate.

Area of Science:

• Hand surgery
• Wound healing
• Regenerative medicine

Background:

• Occlusive dressings promote optimal wound healing conditions: pH, moisture, and cell accumulation.
• Previous studies show good outcomes for fingertip amputations with occlusive dressings.
• Limited research exists on fingertip amputation healing in tropical Asian climates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of secondary intention healing for fingertip amputations using occlusive dressings in a tropical climate.
• To demonstrate the viability of this treatment method in warm, humid environments.
• To evaluate functional outcomes and patient recovery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 17 patients (18 digits) with fingertip amputations from July 2020 to July 2022.
• Patients received semi-occlusive dressings for an average of 20.1 days.
• Outcomes assessed included sensation, pulp contour, nail deformity, range of motion, treatment duration, and days of leave.

Main Results:

• Average total dressing duration was 36.8 days with an average of 7.2 dressing visits.
• Mean follow-up duration was 108 days.
• Good outcomes were reported for sensation, pulp contour, nail deformity, and range of motion, comparable to existing literature.

Conclusions:

• Occlusive dressing is a viable and feasible treatment for fingertip amputations, even in tropical climates.
• This simple technique facilitates wound healing, achieving good functional results.
• The treatment requires patient adherence but yields positive outcomes.