Detachment of the first toe or big toe from the rest of the foot.
The cause can be a result of a traumatism or secondary to elective surgery.
When the amputation is carried out in a surgical context, blood vessels are sutured so that a hemorrhage before cutting the bone and muscles can be prevented. The most common causes are diseases that cause bad blood circulation such as diabetes, tumors, deformities, infections and/or gangrene.
When the amputation is produced in a traumatism context, the hemorrhage and loss of tissue are usually larger. When a member has been torn off or avulsed, the bleeding can be massive and the surgical reparation very difficult. Among the most common causes, we can find car accidents, occupational accidents and war lesions.
The treatment of choice is surgical and its priority is to save the finger if possible and to avoid bleeding and infection. Severe cases can lead to the death of the patient if not controlled.
In cases of traumatic amputation, direct compression may be used to reduce bleeding until surgical revision is performed. If the amputated finger and stump receive appropriate care, reattachment of the amputated finger and stump can be considered in a specialized center.
- Antevy, PM, Saladino, RA. Management of finger injuries. In: Textbook of Pediatric Emergency Procedures, 2nd edition, King, C, Henretig, FM (Eds), Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia 2008. p.939.
- de Alwis W. Fingertip injuries. Emerg Med Australas 2006; 18:229.
