Description
Cut on the hand. Lacerations of the hand can be simple involving only the skin or complex with injury to tendons, nerves and/or blood vessels. With tendon lacerations there may be weakness of the hand and/or fingers, and with nerve damage numbness is experienced beyond the laceration.
Symptoms
Laceration, bleeding, pain, inability to flex or extend the finger, numbness.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Testing of the tendons and nerves will be performed.
Specialists:
Emergency Medicine, Hand Surgery, Urgent Care Medicine
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Testing of the tendons and nerves will be performed.
Specialists:
Emergency Medicine, Hand Surgery, Urgent Care Medicine
Treatment
Simple lacerations may require only a bandage; deeper cuts may require sutures to close the wound. More complex lacerations may require repair of tendons, arteries, or nerves. Hand lacerations should be repaired within 12 hours to reduce the risk of infection. While waiting for treatment the laceration can be cleaned with water and covered with gauze or a clean cloth. Pressure on the wound can be applied to stop bleeding. If the bleeding is profuse seek immediate medical care. A tetanus shot may be needed if the last shot was more than 5 years ago.