What is a finger tuft fracture?

This is a fracture through the very tip of the bone that sits under the fingernail. This may have happened because you stubbed your finger, or it was trapped or crushed.

Healing

It normally takes four to six weeks for the injury to heal; Smoking will slow down your healing. We would advise that you stop smoking while your fracture heals. Talk to your GP for more information.

Caring for your injury

You will be provided with a mallet splint as shown to prevent you from stubbing the end of your finger while it heals. Remove it daily to move all joints of the injured finger to prevent stiffness. Aim to get the finger fully straight and make a fist with fingertip touching your palm.

Simple painkillers, elevation and ice will help: place ice in a towel to protect the skin. Discard the splint after three weeks.

Follow-up

If you have persistent pain after six weeks. Kindly call the clinic and we will arrange an appointment.

Driving

Please refer to the DVLA website regarding your fitness to drive.

Fitness for work statement

You can get a fitness for work statement from your GP or the doctor at your fracture clinic appointment.