Finger Amputations
The majority of finger amputations are caused by a traumatic injury such as slicing or crushing the finger. In these cases, there is so much damage to the tissues that part of the finger has to be removed.
The most common type of amputations is to the tip of the finger and more often to the non-dominant hand.
In a finger tip amputation, which is past the level of the end joint, there are no tendons involved because it is beyond their attachment sites. Movement may or may not be limited at the end joint depending on how close the amputation is to the joint. At any other level of the finger, the tendons will likely have to be surgically repair (re-attached to the bone) and movement may be compromised depending on how the tendon heals.
Goals of Treatment:
Wound care - it is important to protect the healing of the wound. You may receive a splint to wear on the finger to protect the delicate areas.
Swelling - it is normal to have swelling after an injury but if it continues it can cause pain and decreased function. Your therapist may recommend several techniques to decrease swelling or suggest compression wraps or sleeves to assist.
Pain - Your therapist can try different options of pain management strategies such as heat, ultrasound and TENS
Function/movement - it is important to keep the uninvolved joints moving so they do not become stiff. Keeping the finger moving can also help control swelling and pain. Your therapist will help to develop an exercise and strengthening program that works for you
Desensitization - it is likely that the nerve(s) may be affected and it is very common with any amputation that the finger tip and/or scars will be hypersensitive. There may be a reluctance to touch anything with the injured finger because of the discomfort. We would work with you on a desensitization program with a variety of different textures to develop more normal sensation
Shaping - once the wounds have healed, you may notice the injured finger does not look quite the same as the others. Your hand therapist would go over some techniques with you to have a more natural shape to the finger, which will make it more functional as well