Point of care ultrasound in acute injuries of fingers and thumb.

INTRODUCTION

Acute closed trauma to the long fingers and thumb presents a therapeutic challenge. Ultrasound refines clinical examination and enables optimal management. This study aims to assess the role of ultrasound in the management of acute closed trauma of the fingers and the thumb during post-emergency consultations.

METHOD: Patients were re-evaluated within 15 days of their initial emergency visit. The evaluation combined a clinical examination and a standardized ultrasound assessment. Based on ultrasound findings, initial management was either confirmed or modified. The primary endpoint was the modification of initial management. Secondary endpoints included the evaluating of PRWE-Fr and QuickDASH scores and assessing of changes in the work absence duration.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients were evaluated, with a minimum clinical follow-up of three months. The mean age was 33 years. The thumb and the proximal interphalangeal joint were the most frequently affected fingers and joints, respectively. Ultrasound led to modifications in initial management in 77.8% of cases. Return to work was accelerated by an average of 5 days. At three months, mean PRWE-Fr and QuickDASH scores were 12.9 and 9.42, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound is an essential tool in the evaluation and management of acute trauma to the fingers and thumb. It is accessible, easy to perform, and non-irradiating, enhancing the clinical examination by the hand surgeon and enabling early therapeutic adjustments.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.