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Smashed fingers

Definition

Smashed fingers is an injury involving trauma to one or more fingers.

Alternative Names

Finger(s) - smashed; Crushed digits

Considerations

If an injury to a finger occurs at the tip and does not involve the joint or nail bed, you may not need the help of a health care provider. If only the tip of your finger bone is broken, your provider may not recommend a splint.

Causes

Fingers can be smashed by a hammer blow, car door, desk drawer, baseball, or some other force.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include any of the following:

  • Difficulty moving the tip of the finger
  • Discoloration or bruising of the finger or fingernail
  • Finger pain
  • Loss of fingernail
  • Swelling

First Aid

Apply an ice pack to decrease swelling. Be sure to wrap the pack in a clean cloth first to prevent cold injury to the skin.

Over-the-counter pain medicines may help relieve discomfort.

If pain becomes severe, with blood under the fingernail, call your provider. Your provider may guide you in taking measures to relieve the pressure and blood and prevent the fingernail from falling off.

Do Not

  • Do not splint a smashed finger without first consulting your provider.
  • Do not drain blood from under the fingernail unless your provider instructs you to do so.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Seek medical attention right away for any of the following:

  • The finger is bent and you can't straighten it.
  • The skin is cut open and bone is exposed.
  • The injury involves the palm or any of the joints, such as a finger or the wrist.

Prevention

Teach safety to young children. Use caution when shutting doors to make sure fingers are not in danger.

Gallery

Smashed fingers
Smashed fingers, causing direct trauma to one or more fingers, should initially be treated with ice to reduce swelling. If blood builds up under a fingernail, a heated wire may be used to burn a hole through the nail.

References

Kamal RN, Gire JD. Tendon injuries in the hand. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR, eds. DeLee, Drez, & Miller's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 73.

Stearns DA, Peak DA. Hand. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 43.

Last reviewed June 13, 2021 by C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team..

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