Abstract
BACKGROUND: Fingertip injuries are a common yet significant subset of hand injuries, often resulting in functional impairment due to the intricate anatomy of the fingertip. These injuries can lead to substantial disability and financial burdens on healthcare systems. This study aims to analyze the epidemiology, injury patterns, and management strategies of fingertip injuries treated at North Medical Tower Hospital, Saudi Arabia, with the goal of informing clinical practice and prevention strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of 105 patients treated for fingertip injuries at North Medical Tower Hospital, Saudi Arabia between January 2023 and September 2024. De-identified medical records were reviewed for demographic, clinical, and treatment data. Statistical analysis was performed. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic and clinical variables and to describe injury patterns and management strategies. RESULTS: A total of 105 patients were included, comprising 77 males (73.3%) and 28 females (26.7%), accounting for 138 fingertip injuries. Amputations were the most frequent injury type (n = 60, 43.5%), followed by fractures (n = 31, 22.5%) and lacerations (n = 19, 13.8%). Crush injuries represented the predominant mechanism of injury (n = 54, 50.9%), with door-related injuries being the second most common cause (n = 27, 25.5%). Among patients with fingertip amputations, management most commonly involved primary wound closure (n = 24) or flap-based reconstruction (n = 9), while remaining cases were managed with secondary healing or alternative approaches based on injury severity. Fractures were primarily treated with splint immobilization (n = 11) or K-wire fixation (n = 6). CONCLUSION: Fingertip injuries, particularly amputations and fractures, are common across both pediatric and adult populations and are predominantly related to crush and door-related mechanisms. These findings highlight the need for targeted preventive strategies in domestic and industrial settings. Future prospective studies incorporating standardized functional, sensory, and patient-reported outcome measures are required to refine injury-specific, evidence-based management algorithms for fingertip injuries.