Fingertip injury epidemiology, patterns, and clinical management at a tertiary care center, North Medical Tower Hospital, Saudi Arabia: A retrospective analysis

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.

Introduction

Fingertip injuries represent a common and clinically significant subset of hand trauma, largely due to the complex anatomy and critical functional role of the fingertip, which comprises bone, tendon insertions, neurovascular structures, nail apparatus, and specialized soft tissue. Damage to this region may result in substantial functional impairment, sensory loss, aesthetic deformity, and prolonged rehabilitation, particularly when not managed appropriately. In pediatric populations, fingertip injuries are of particular concern because of their potential long-term impact on hand development and fine motor skills, as well as the associated socioeconomic and healthcare burdens.^1,2

Anatomically, the fingertip is a highly specialized structure composed of the distal phalanx, nail plate and nail bed, volar pulp, and overlying skin. It contains a dense network of sensory nerve endings, rendering it exquisitely sensitive to touch and temperature, while its rich vascular supply is essential for tissue viability and healing. Tendons, ligaments, and the nail complex contribute to precision grip and coordinated hand function. Disruption of any of these components can significantly compromise dexterity, sensation, and overall hand performance, underscoring the importance of tailored management strategies for fingertip injuries.³ Several classification systems have been developed to guide clinical assessment and management, including zone-based classifications such as the Tamai system (Table 1).⁴

Table 1.

Showed fingertip classifications.

Fingertip classification4	Zone 1	Zone 2	Zone 3	Zone 4	Zone 5
Elsahy Classification (1977)	Not involving the nail.	Involving the nail	distal to the lanula	proximal to the lanula.	proximal to lanula and distal to DIP joint
Allen Classification (1980)	only pulp distal to the nail	pulp and a portion of the nail distal to the distal phalanx	Pulp and a portion of the nail are distal to the lunula, including part of the terminal phalanx	Pulp with involvement of the lunula and part of the terminal phalanx.
Tamai Classification (1982)	distal to the nail fold (The digital arteries of ulnar and radial sides form an arch and branch into tiny branches in this zone.)	nail fold to distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint
Ishikawa Classification (1990)	From the tip of the fingertip to the midpoint of the nail in 1997, Naiem S Moiemen & David Elliot (UK) modified Ishikawa Classification by dividing subzone I into:	From the midpoint of the nail to the base of the nail.	From the nail base to the midpoint between nail base and the DIP joint	From the midpoint between the nail base and the DIP joint to the DIP joint.
	IA–tip of the fingertip to the distal end of the IB–distal end to the midpoint of the nail
Hirase Classification (1997)	Distal to the most distal dividing point of the central digital artery. (Amputated part is reattached as a composite graft.)	The zone is further divided into two subcategories based on the level of arterial anastomosis: IIA–Arterial anastomosis is done to the central digital artery arising from the distal palmar arch of digital artery. IIB–Arterial anastomosis is done directly to the distal palmar arch of digital artery.	Proximal to the distal palmar arch of digital artery (Digital artery, vein and nerve are anastomosed laterally and axial K-wire passed through terminal phalanx)

The epidemiology of fingertip injuries varies according to age, sex, activity level, and environmental exposure. International studies consistently report a higher incidence among males, reflecting greater occupational and recreational exposure to mechanical hazards.^1,3,5,6 In Saudi Arabia, hand and fingertip injuries have been frequently associated with industrial and occupational activities, particularly in urban and industrial regions.⁷ Conversely, children commonly sustain fingertip injuries in domestic settings, with door-related crush mechanisms representing a leading cause.8, 9, 10 Pediatric fingertip trauma remains a frequent reason for emergency department visits, especially among boys under 5 years of age.^1,10

Clinically, fingertip injuries encompass a broad spectrum ranging from simple lacerations and nail-bed injuries to crush trauma and partial or complete amputations. Adult populations more commonly sustain severe injuries related to machinery or occupational accidents, whereas children tend to experience partial amputations and crush injuries in domestic environments.^2,7,8,6,11, 12, 13 The underlying mechanism of injury plays a pivotal role in determining both injury severity and appropriate management, with crush injuries often associated with complex soft-tissue damage and bone involvement.⁸

Fingertip injury etiology varies by age and activity. In children, domestic accidents like doors and falling objects are common causes.^8,10 Adults face risks in occupational settings involving machinery.^7,14 Sports and high-impact activities also contribute, especially in youth.^2,15 Understanding these factors is key to prevention.^9,5

Despite the clinical relevance and frequency of fingertip injuries, detailed regional data describing injury patterns and real-world management strategies remain limited, particularly from tertiary centers outside major metropolitan areas. Moreover, much of the existing literature focuses on idealized treatment algorithms or specialized microsurgical settings, which may not reflect routine clinical practice in resource-variable environments. Therefore, there is a need for context-specific data that capture both epidemiological trends and pragmatic management approaches as applied in everyday clinical settings.

This study aims to analyze the epidemiology, injury patterns, and management strategies of fingertip injuries treated at North Medical Tower Hospital, Saudi Arabia in northern Saudi Arabia. By providing region-specific data and describing resource-adapted treatment practices, this study seeks to contribute clinically relevant evidence that may inform local preventive strategies, guide decision-making, and support the development of practical, evidence-based management algorithms.

Methods & materials

Study design and setting

A retrospective observational study was conducted at, North Medical Tower Hospital, Saudi Arabia a tertiary trauma center providing comprehensive emergency, inpatient, and outpatient healthcare services to Saudi nationals and eligible non-Saudi patients. The hospital serves as a regional referral hub, including for cases requiring specialized plastic and reconstructive surgical care.

All patients treated for fingertip injuries between January 2023 and September 2024 were included in the study. Cases were identified through the hospital’s electronic medical record system, which functions as the primary repository for emergency department visits, inpatient admissions, and outpatient follow-up data. Given the retrospective nature of the study, the requirement for informed consent was waived. Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional review board, and all procedures were conducted in accordance with institutional ethical standards and confidentiality regulations.

To minimize selection bias, all eligible cases presenting within the defined study period were included, ensuring a comprehensive dataset representative of the hospital’s clinical workload. Information bias was minimized through the use of a standardized data collection form, cross-verification of medical records, and periodic data audits to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Study population

The study population included all patients diagnosed with fingertip injuries during the study period, including partial or complete amputations, fractures, lacerations, nail-bed injuries, and subungual hematomas. No restrictions were applied with regard to age or sex. Patients were excluded if injuries extended beyond the fingertip region, involved tendons, joints, or major vascular structures, or if pathological fractures related to systemic or metabolic disease were present.

Data collection and statistical analysis

Data were extracted using a structured, pre-designed data collection tool that captured demographic characteristics (age, sex, and nationality), injury-related variables (type of injury, mechanism, and cause), and management details. Patient confidentiality was maintained in accordance with Saudi Ministry of Health guidelines. All identifiable information was removed, and data were anonymized, coded, and stored in encrypted, access-restricted databases.

Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics version 27.0.1 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, were used to summarize demographic and clinical variables. Associations between categorical variables were assessed using chi-square tests, while independent-samples t-tests or one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were applied for continuous variables where appropriate. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value of less than 0.05.

All de-identified study data were stored securely and will be retained for 3 years following study completion in accordance with institutional policy. Although participants did not derive direct clinical benefit, the findings of this study aim to inform future strategies for the prevention and management of fingertip injuries. This study is reported in accordance with the STROBE guidelines. In addition, the STROCSS checklist is provided in the Supplementary Appendix to enhance the transparency of surgical reporting.¹⁶

Results

A total of 105 patients were included in the study, accounting for 138 fingertip injuries. The mean age was 21.5 years (range: 1–64 years). Males constituted 77 patients (73.3%), while females accounted for 28 patients (26.7%). Saudi nationals represented 62.9% of the cohort. Demographic characteristics are summarized in Table 2.

Table 2.

Showed sociodemographic characteristics of participants (N = 105).

Variable:		N (%)
Age (years)	Mean ± SD	21.5 ± 17.0
	Range	1 - 64
Gender	Female	28 (26.7%)
	Male	77 (73.3%)
Nationality	Non-Saudi	39 (37.1%)
	Saudi	66 (62.9%)
Type of fingertip injury	Fracture	31 (22.5%)
	Laceration	19 (13.8%)
	Nail damage	13 (9.4%)
	Nail hematoma	15 (10.9%)
	Sub-total amputation	28 (20.3%)
	Total amputation	32 (23.2%)
Multiple injuries	Yes	27 (25.7%)
	No	78 (74.3%)
Cause of fingertip injury	Crush injury	54 (50.9%)
	Sharp injuries	11 (10.4%)
	Injury by Door	27 (25.5%)
	Injury by Heavy objects	6 (5.7%)
	Tool-related injuries	6 (5.7%)
	Others	2 (1.9%)
Hand involved	Left	51 (48.6%)
	Right	54 (51.4%)

N, Frequency, %, Percentage, SD, Standard deviation.

Multiple fingertip injuries were observed in 27 patients (25.7%), whereas 78 patients (74.3%) sustained a single injury. Amputations were the most frequent injury pattern, including 32 total amputations (23.2%) and 28 sub-total amputations (20.3%). All amputation injuries involved the distal phalanx and were confined to Tamai zones I and II, with no proximal (zone III or higher) amputations identified. Fractures were documented in 31 cases (22.5%), followed by lacerations in 19 cases (13.8%), nail injuries in 13 cases (9.4%), and nail hematomas in 15 cases (10.9%). Table 2.

Crush injuries represented the predominant mechanism of injury (54 cases, 50.9%), followed by door-related injuries (27 cases, 25.5%). Injuries caused by sharp objects, including glass and knives, accounted for 11 cases (10.4%). Heavy-object trauma and tool-related injuries each accounted for 6 cases (5.7%), while other mechanisms were identified in 2 cases (1.9%). Injury laterality was evenly distributed, with 51 injuries (48.6%) involving the left hand and 54 injuries (51.4%) involving the right hand. Table 3.

Table 3.

Showed treatment of different types of fingertip injuries (n = 105).

Variable:		N (%)
Amputation (Sub-total/Total)	Flap	9 (6.5%)
	Graft	6 (4.3%)
	Suture repair	24 (17.4%)
	Non-operative secondary healing	14 (10.1%)
	Referral to high center	2 (1.4%)
	Revision of amputated part	2 (1.4%)
	N/A	3 (2.2%)
Fracture	Conservative	5 (3.6%)
	K-wire fixation	6 (4.3%)
	Splint	11 (8.0%)
	N/A	9 (6.5%)
Laceration	Conservative	5 (3.6%)
	Suture repair	13 (9.4%)
	N/A	1 (0.7%)
Nail damage	Conservative	6 (4.3%)
	Nail removed, conservative	5 (3.6%)
	N/A	2 (1.4%)
Nail Hematoma	Conservative	9 (6.5%)
	Evacuation	4 (2.9%)
	N/A	2 (1.4%)

Total Number of patients = 105.

Total cases of fingertip injuries = 138.

N, Frequency, %, Percentage, N/A, not applicable.

Management strategies varied according to injury type Table 3. Among amputation injuries, primary wound closure was the most frequently employed intervention. Total amputations were managed either by stump revision with primary closure or by regular dressings allowing secondary healing, whereas sub-total amputations were treated with primary wound closure. All such procedures were performed in the emergency department under local anesthesia, without replantation or microvascular reconstruction, accounting for 24 cases (17.4%). Flap reconstruction was performed in 9 cases (6.5%) and consisted exclusively of local or regional flaps, including V–Y advancement flaps, modified Kutler flaps, cross-finger flaps, and distant flaps. No free flaps or microvascular anastomoses were undertaken. Skin grafting was utilized in 6 cases (4.3%), including full-thickness skin grafts and composite grafts, selected based on defect size, wound-bed vascularity, and absence of exposed bone or tendon. Non-operative secondary healing was employed in 14 cases (10.1%).

Fractures were mainly treated with splinting in 11 cases (8.0%), K-wire fixation in 6 cases (4.3%), and conservative management in 5 cases (3.6%). Lacerations were treated with either suture repair in 13 cases (9.4%) or conservative care in 5 cases (3.6%). Suture repair referred solely to skin and soft-tissue closure, without tendon, nerve, or vascular repair. Nail hematomas were managed either conservatively or by evacuation based on clinical severity. Conservative treatment was applied in small, minimally symptomatic hematomas (9 cases, 6.5%), whereas evacuation was performed in cases associated with significant pain, larger hematoma size, or suspected nail-bed involvement (4 cases, 2.9%).

Discussion

Fingertip injuries represent one of the most frequent types of hand trauma encountered in emergency and surgical settings, posing significant challenges due to the functional and aesthetic importance of the fingers.² This study provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology, mechanisms, and management of fingertip injuries at North Medical Tower Hospital, Saudi Arabia, filling a gap in regional data from the Northern Border Region of Saudi Arabia.

Demographics and mechanisms of injury

A predominance of male patients (73.3%) was observed, a finding consistent with previous reports by Sabri et al., who noted that 69.8% of hand trauma cases involved males.¹⁷ This reflects the male-dominated nature of industrial and construction sectors in Saudi Arabia, where exposure to mechanical hazards is higher.¹⁸ The mean age of 21.5 years further supports global trends showing that younger adults are the most affected group, primarily due to occupational and recreational exposure.¹⁹ However, the inclusion of pediatric and elderly patients indicates that fingertip trauma is not confined to one demographic group. As reported in pediatric trauma studies, children’s curiosity and limited motor control increase their risk of door-related injuries, whereas older adults face higher vulnerability due to reduced coordination and slower reflexes.²⁰

The high proportion of crush injuries (50.9%) underscores the dominance of heavy machinery and door-related trauma in both industrial and domestic environments. This proportion is higher than that reported by Reavey et al., who identified crush injuries as the cause in approximately 40% of fingertip trauma cases.²¹ These findings are similar to those from regional centers in Riyadh and Dammam, where workplace accidents remain the leading cause of hand injuries.¹³ Interestingly, sharp-object injuries (10.4%) were less common in our population, contrasting with European and North American data, where knife and tool-related injuries are more frequent due to differences in occupational patterns and adherence to safety standards.¹⁹

Door-related trauma was particularly notable among children, aligning with U.S. data showing that up to 30% of pediatric fingertip injuries are caused by doors.²¹ Taken together, these findings underscore the need for targeted prevention strategies in high-risk settings. In our cohort, the predominance of crush and door-related injuries highlights the importance of workplace safety enforcement in industrial environments, as well as domestic preventive measures such as child safety devices, door guards, and public education campaigns. Addressing these context-specific risk factors may substantially reduce the incidence and severity of fingertip injuries.

Although the study population included a wide age range and was predominantly male and Saudi in nationality, these characteristics should be interpreted in the context of the hospital’s catchment area and referral pattern. The male predominance observed in our cohort is consistent with existing literature, which demonstrates a higher incidence of hand and fingertip injuries among men, particularly those engaged in manual labor and high-risk occupations. While these demographic features may limit the generalizability of the findings, they accurately reflect the regional population served by our institution and the local epidemiology of fingertip trauma.

Patterns and distribution of injuries

Amputations were the most common type of injury (43.5%), consistent with international literature reporting rates of 40–45%.^21,22 The proportion of fractures (22.5%) also aligns with findings by Deivasigamani et al., who reported similar frequencies in hand trauma cases.²³ The nearly equal distribution between left- and right-hand injuries (48.6% vs 51.4%) contrasts with the right-hand dominance reported elsewhere.²⁴ This may be explained by the bilateral nature of manual labor tasks, where both hands are exposed equally to potential hazards.

Treatment approaches

Management strategies in our cohort reflect evidence-based principles of hand injury care aimed at preserving length, function, and cosmesis. In this cohort, the term suture repair referred exclusively to primary skin and soft-tissue closure, without any tendon, nerve, or vascular repair, and did not involve replantation or microvascular anastomosis.

This is consistent with the study’s exclusion criteria, which excluded injuries extending beyond the fingertip or involving major tendon, joint, or neurovascular structures. Flap procedures included only pedicled local or regional flaps, such as V–Y advancement flaps, modified Kutler flaps, cross-finger flaps, and distant abdominal flaps. No free flaps, venous flow-through flaps, or microvascular techniques were performed. Skin grafting referred to the use of full-thickness skin grafts or composite grafts applied to well-vascularized wound beds without exposed bone or tendon, selected according to defect size and tissue condition. Primary wound closure (including stump revision and primary closure for total amputations and primary closure for sub-total amputations) was the most common intervention (17.4%), supporting findings from Bettlach et al., who emphasized its role in maintaining dexterity and functional recovery.²⁵ Flap procedures (6.5%) and grafting (4.3%) were used for more severe cases with bone exposure or significant tissue loss, consistent with recommendations from Tos et al. and Eo et al., respectively.^26,27 Flaps are considered the gold standard for tissue coverage, reducing the risk of necrosis, infection, and delayed healing, while grafting remains a viable alternative when local tissue is inadequate.

Fractures were managed conservatively in most cases using splinting (8.0%), a method that promotes bone stabilization and healing without surgery.28, 29, 30 K-wire fixation (4.3%) was reserved for displaced or unstable fractures, as recommended by Ahmad et al.³¹ Lacerations and nail-bed injuries were treated according to wound severity: simple lacerations were repaired with sutures,^32,33 while minor soft-tissue injuries received conservative care (3.6%), consistent with the growing preference for non-surgical management.³² Nail injuries required surgical intervention in only 3.6% of cases, reflecting adherence to conservative principles unless extensive damage was present.^34,35

Overall, the therapeutic profile observed reflects pragmatic clinical decision-making adapted to case severity and available resources, similar to approaches reported in regional hospitals with comparable patient populations.

Comparison with other centers and international context

Compared with tertiary centers in Riyadh and Jeddah, our data reveal a notably higher proportion of crush-related amputations and fewer sharp-object injuries, reflecting regional industrial patterns. These findings differ from those of Telich-Tarriba et al.¹³ in Mexico City and Lemmon et al. in the United States, where soft-tissue lacerations and clean amputations predominated due to different occupational exposures and greater emphasis on workplace safety.³⁶ The relatively high prevalence of door-related pediatric injuries in our cohort also surpasses rates reported in Western countries, likely due to differences in housing design and lack of child safety devices.

These interregional and international variations emphasize the importance of context-specific preventive strategies, including stricter enforcement of safety regulations, improved machinery safeguards, and public education on household injury prevention.

Fingertip injuries can be classified according to the level of amputation and the primary tissue involved, namely the pulp or the nail bed, by referring to both the zone and the plane of injury. Injuries classified as Tamai Zone I occur distal to the distal phalanx, with preservation of most of the nail bed and germinal matrix. These injuries typically do not involve exposed bone and therefore are most often managed conservatively, either with dressings and secondary healing or simple primary closure when feasible.

Tamai Zone II injuries are located distal to the lunula of the nail bed and are characterized by exposure of the distal phalanx. In such cases, reconstruction is usually required to provide durable soft-tissue coverage. Zone II injuries can be further classified according to the plane of injury as dorsal, transverse, or volar. The choice of reconstructive technique depends on several factors, including the slope of the transection, extent of soft-tissue loss, presence of exposed bone or tendon, and the condition of the surrounding tissues. Based on these considerations, local or regional flap reconstruction is often preferred to preserve finger length, sensation, and function.³⁷

Proposed management algorithm

Based on our institutional practice and available resources, we propose a pragmatic, cohort-derived decision pathway (Tamai zones I–II) reflecting the management strategies applied in this series. The proposed clinical decision-making algorithm for the management of fingertip injuries is illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 1.

Proposed clinical decision-making algorithm for the management of fingertip injuries. The algorithm summarizes the stepwise treatment pathway based on injury type, tissue loss, bone exposure, fracture stability, and nail-bed involvement.

Management of fingertip injuries in this cohort followed a structured, stepwise decision-making approach based on injury level, tissue involvement, and wound characteristics. If the injury was confined to Tamai Zone I, with no exposed bone or tendon and adequate soft-tissue coverage, then conservative management was preferred, including regular dressings and secondary healing. Primary skin closure was performed when wound edges were viable and closure could be achieved without tension.

If the injury represented a sub-total amputation with a viable soft-tissue attachment and no significant contamination, then primary wound closure was undertaken to preserve fingertip length and function. If the injury involved Tamai Zone II with exposed distal phalanx but sufficient surrounding soft tissue, then reconstruction was selected based on defect size and tissue availability. Small distal defects were managed with local advancement flaps, such as V–Y advancement or modified Kutler flaps, to provide durable coverage while preserving length and sensibility. A schematic illustration of fingertip anatomy and Tamai injury zones is presented in Figure 2.

Figure 2.

Schematic illustration of fingertip anatomy and Tamai injury zones with corresponding management considerations for fingertip injuries.

If the defect was larger, involved volar tissue loss, or was not amenable to local advancement, then regional pedicled flaps (cross-finger or distant abdominal flaps) were employed to achieve adequate soft-tissue coverage. No free flap or microvascular reconstruction was performed in this cohort.

If a well-vascularized wound bed was present without exposed bone or tendon and local flap coverage was not feasible, then skin grafting was considered. Full-thickness skin grafts or composite grafts were selected according to defect size and tissue condition. If fractures of the distal phalanx were present and stable, then conservative treatment with splint immobilization was applied. If fractures were displaced or unstable, then K-wire fixation was performed to ensure alignment and healing.

If nail-bed injury or subungual hematoma was identified, then management was guided by clinical severity. Small, minimally symptomatic hematomas were treated conservatively, whereas larger or painful hematomas, or those with suspected nail-bed involvement, underwent evacuation. Post-treatment care included appropriate wound care, short-term immobilization when indicated, selective antibiotic use, and early mobilization or hand therapy to optimize functional recovery.

Conclusion

This study highlights distinctive epidemiological and clinical patterns of fingertip injuries in the Northern Border Region of Saudi Arabia, characterized by a predominance of crush-related amputations and industrial accidents. While overall trends align with international literature, regional variations underline the influence of occupational and environmental factors. Establishing structured management algorithms and implementing targeted prevention programs will be crucial for improving outcomes and reducing injury incidence nationwide.

Limitations and future recommendations

The main limitation of this study is its retrospective design and the absence of long-term follow-up data, which restricts assessment of functional and cosmetic outcomes. Additionally, reliance on medical records may have led to incomplete documentation of injury details and management nuances. Future research should incorporate prospective data collection and structured outcome tracking to evaluate healing time, sensory recovery, and patient satisfaction. Multicenter comparative studies across Saudi regions are also recommended to identify nationwide trends and support the development of standardized management protocols tailored to local healthcare settings.

Ethics approval

Ethical approval was obtained in accordance with national research ethics standards. The study was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board in Arar (Northern Borders Health Cluster) (IRB Log No. N1C-IRB-24-10-28).

Consent for publication

The requirement for patient consent was waived due to the retrospective nature of the study, which involved the use of de-identified medical records in accordance with ethical standards and guidelines.

Data availability

The data analyzed during this study are derived from the medical records of patients treated for fingertip injuries at North Medical Tower Hospital between January 2023 and September 2, 2024. Due to patient confidentiality and ethical considerations, the raw data cannot be made publicly available. However, de-identified data supporting the findings of this study are available upon reasonable request from the corresponding author. Researchers interested in accessing the data must submit a formal request outlining the purpose of their inquiry and adhere to the relevant ethical guidelines. All relevant data are within the paper and its Supporting Information files.

Funding

No funding was recived for this study.

Provenance and peer review

Not commissioned, externally peer-reviewed.

Declaration of competing interest

The author(s) declare(s) that they have no financial or personal relationships with any individuals or organizations that could inappropriately influence or bias their work.