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Amputations are typically caused by severe force or crushing injuries and may be either partial or complete. These are serious injuries that require immediate surgical assessment, advice, and referral.
Is this an emergency?
Yes!
Amputations and partial amputations are time critical emergencies that require immediate specialist assessment. Please contact 1300HANDOC immediately for advice and further instructions.
- Partial or complete loss of a finger or part of the hand
- Severe bleeding
- Severe pain and swelling
- Loss of sensation or inability to move the affected digit
- Deformity or exposed bone
- Pale, blue or cold tissue due to reduced blood supply
- Signs of shock, such as dizziness, weakness, pale skin, rapid pulse or confusion
- Traumatic amputations from accidents involving machinery, tools and equipment
- Severe crush or cutting injuries
- History and mechanism of injury
- Clinical examination is required to determine whether the affected digit or hand has sustained a complete or partial amputation.
- X-rays to determine the level of bony amputation and identify associated fractures.
Amputations and partial amputations are time-critical emergencies that require immediate specialist assessment.
Treatment options may include replantation, where the amputated part is surgically reattached, or terminalisation, where replantation is not possible or recommended. Handoc will discuss the most appropriate treatment pathway based on the nature and severity of your injury.
Please contact 1300HANDOC immediately for advice and further instructions.
- Direct pressure with a clean nonstick dressing to the wound
- Elevate the affected area
- DO NOT apply a torniquet
- Do NOT throw away amputated parts which appear destroyed – they may still be useful for surgery.
- DO NOT eat, drink or smoke after injury.
- Wrap amputated part in clean moist dressing/gauze
- Place in a zip lock bag
- Place the sealed zip lock bag in a separate bag of ICE SLURRY (is a mix of crushed ice with water)
- Amputated parts should never be in direct contact with ice.
The mechanism and type of amputation determine the surgical approach, with the primary goal of preserving as much finger length, function, and sensation as possible.
Your Handoc surgeon will discuss the options with you based on your injury.
Yes, there are circumstances where an amputated digit can be reattached (replantation). There are a number of factors involved including the length of time from accident to surgery, condition and correct storage of the amputated part.
Your surgeon will discuss the most suitable treatment based on your injury.
- Infection
- Delayed wound healing
- Stiffness
- Reduced sensation
- Nerve pain
- Failure of a replanted digit/hand to survive
If you have sustained a finger amputation or significant fingertip injury, contact Handoc immediately. Our hand specialists are available 24/7 to provide urgent assessment and arrange prompt specialist care.
Recovery depends on the severity of your injury and the surgery undertaken.
Replantation surgery typically involves a longer recovery and requires an extensive hand therapy program to optimise movement, strength, and function.
Recovery following a partial or complete finger amputation without replantation is generally shorter, although hand therapy may still be recommended to maximise function and support your return to daily activities.
Yes, all amputation surgeries require hand therapy. Hand therapy is critical following surgery to minimise stiffness and manage nerve sensitivity and maximise hand function.