| This gentleman had a 600 lb. toolbox
fall onto his left middle digit, sustaining a 90% amputation
at the distal aspect of his finger. After consulting
with a few hand surgeons, it was decided to go ahead
and amputate the finger at the DIP joint.
The distal phalanx was rongeured down
to the DIP joint and a “Y-flap” was performed.
He tolerated this procedure well. Good neurovascular
sensation was noted 2-weeks after the amputation was
performed. Amputation and revision performed by Dan
Williams, P.A.-C.
Outdoor Treatment of Amputations
If possible, place the amputated part in a plastic
bag or wrap it and place it on ice. Do not have ice
directly contacting the amputated part and progress
to a hospital or urgent care clinic as soon as possible.
This is feasible only if you can get to a health care
provider within 6-8 hours. Otherwise, you need to resort
to basic wound care management – clean and irrigate,
compression dressing, wrap and decrease the bleeding,
as well as elevate the extremity of injury. Always remember
when heading out on an expedition to have your tetanus
status updated.
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