{"id":628,"date":"2012-12-19T00:22:20","date_gmt":"2012-12-19T00:22:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/handsurgeonsnyc.com\/?page_id=628"},"modified":"2020-01-31T12:09:45","modified_gmt":"2020-01-31T16:09:45","slug":"lacerations","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/handsurgeonsnyc.com\/lacerations\/","title":{"rendered":"Lacerations"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Example of child\u2019s finger, crushed by a door, resulting in a laceration of the middle finger<\/p><\/div>\n

What is a Laceration?<\/h2>\n

A Laceration is an open wound, often in the hand. \u00a0The depth of the wound can greatly vary. \u00a0Some laceration don’t completely penetrate through the full thickness of the skin, while others will. \u00a0Even deeper lacerations will cut through the skin and the structures under the skin, which may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, nerves, or blood vessels.<\/p>\n

Symptoms of a Laceration<\/h2>\n

A wound, which may ooze or bleed briskly, is visible. \u00a0Pain is common. Depending on the depth or the wound and its location on the hand or other parts of the upper extremity, there may be difficultly with moving a nearby joint or diminished sensation in the area.<\/p>\n

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Five year old child with a laceration of both flexors and nerves as well as the ulnar digital artery in the little finger with a volar condylar fracture of the proximal phalangeal head<\/p><\/div>\n

Common Causes of a Laceration<\/h2>\n

A variety of sharp and dull objects can cause a Laceration. \u00a0In addition, extreme deformation of joint can tear its overlying skin.<\/p>\n

Diagnosing a Laceration<\/h2>\n

Speaking with you to understand what caused the Laceration and when it occurred are essential. \u00a0A careful physical exam is important to assess the depth of the wound and check for important structures which might be injured as well, like nerves, tendons, and blood vessels.<\/p>\n

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Alternative view of five year old child laceration of both flexors and nerves as well as the ulnar digital artery in the little finger with a volar condylar fracture of the proximal phalangeal head<\/p><\/div>\n

Treatment Options for a Laceration<\/h2>\n

Immediate attention is needed and treatment may vary depending on the depth of the wound. \u00a0If just the skin is cut, this wound can be treated with cleaning and suturing of the skin when appropriate. \u00a0Antibiotics may be prescribed for a few days to minimize the chance of infection.<\/p>\n

If the laceration was caused by something metal or possibly contaminated it is essential to assess your tetanus vaccine history and administer a tetanus booster if needed. \u00a0Deep lacerations with injury to tendons, ligaments, bones, nerves, or blood vessels indicate the need for surgical repair.<\/p>\n

State-of-the-art techniques, including microsurgery<\/a>, are used to repair nerves, tendons and blood vessels. \u00a0Any injured ligaments, bones and joints are also addressed. \u00a0Rapid rehabilitation regimens are employed with or without surgical treatment.<\/p>\n