Semi-occlusive dressing versus surgery in fingertip injuries: A randomized controlled trial

Objectives: No gold-standard treatment has been established for the management of distal digital amputation in Ishikawa zones II and III. The objective of this study was to compare the results of management of fingertip amputation by semi-occlusive dressing versus surgery. The principal hypothesis was that a semi-occlusive dressing results in better recovery of sensory function than a digital flap. Methods: We conducted a prospective, randomized, multicenter study of 44 patients: 23 managed conservatively with semi-occlusive dressing, and 21 surgically with digital flap. Results: Mean follow-up was 12 months. Mean healing time was 4.9 weeks in the semi-occlusive dressing group and 3.6 weeks in the surgery group. There was no significant difference between groups for sensory recovery of fine touch (p = 0.198) or 2-point discrimination (p = 0.961). No infections were reported in either group. Hook-nail deformity was more frequent in the semi-occlusive dressing group, particularly in case of amputation in zone III. Conclusions: Semi-occlusive dressing enabled satisfactory healing and sensitivity recovery without increasing the risk of infection. However, in zone III amputation, we advocate surgical treatment with a digital flap, due to poor trophicity and the frequency of hook-nail deformity seen with conservative management. Level of evidence: II.