Children's finger injuries: causes, treatment, and natural healing
Hand and finger injuries are among the most common injuries seen in emergency departments worldwide, especially among children who rely heavily on their sense of touch to explore their surroundings. In this context, Dr. Sabri Ziada, a consultant orthopedic surgeon, told Al-Youm newspaper that finger injuries are a constant source of anxiety for families, noting that timely and appropriate medical intervention plays a crucial role in ensuring full recovery and preventing deformities.
General context: Why are children more susceptible to infection?
Historically and medically, hand injuries are among the most common injuries recorded in young age groups. This is due to the natural curiosity of children in their early developmental stages, where their exploratory instinct drives them to touch everything around them without understanding the potential dangers. Dr. Ziada explained that medical studies have shown that children are the most affected group due to their constant physical activity, with household accidents topping the list of causes, particularly accidents involving closed doors and drawers, as well as playing with sharp objects, with a noticeable increase in cases among those under five years old.
Injury classification and treatment protocol
The severity of these accidents varies considerably, ranging from minor superficial wounds and skin lacerations to fractures of the distal phalanges, and even more complex cases such as partial or complete amputation of fingers. The consultant indicated that the medical decision depends primarily on a thorough examination of the circulatory and sensory systems, an assessment of the extent of tissue damage, and radiological examinations to confirm bone integrity.
Regarding the treatment protocol, Dr. Ziada pointed out that the first and most important step is to thoroughly clean the wound and immediately control the bleeding, while taking great care to preserve the living tissue and immobilize the damaged finger when absolutely necessary.
Self-repair: A biological advantage in children
One of the key points Dr. Ziada addressed was the remarkable biological capacity of children compared to adults. He explained that surgeons often opt for conservative treatment rather than complex surgical intervention in most pediatric cases due to the exceptionally rapid self-healing and regeneration capabilities of their tissues. This physiological advantage, supported by a robust blood supply, contributes to excellent functional and cosmetic outcomes and significantly reduces the likelihood of complications such as permanent disfigurement or bacterial infection.
The importance of awareness and rapid intervention
The importance of properly treating these injuries extends beyond aesthetics to include the functional aspect of the hand, which is the child's primary tool for writing, playing, and performing daily tasks in the future. Dr. Ziada concluded by emphasizing the necessity of immediately seeking emergency care upon injury to ensure the best possible outcome. He strongly cautioned against neglecting nail injuries or relying on unsterilized home remedies, which can exacerbate the problem and lead to serious infections.
