Finger tip amputations. Review of procedures and applications.

Repair of finger tip amputations depends upon the slope of transsection and how much of the tip has been amputated. Type 1 and 2 injuries are easily handled in the emergency room by local flaps with results acceptable by functional and economic criteria. Type 3 amputations with losses of less than 25 percent can be repaired by primary closure. Losses of 50 percent or over are best treated by local or "distant" flaps from the involved or adjacent fingers or palm. Each style of flap and technique has advantages and disadvantages.