Index Finger Amputation – Functional Results

Background: There has been controversy regarding the functional implications of index finger amputation in comparison with other finger amputations. The aim of this study is to evaluate the functional outcome of these injuries and in comparison, to a control group.

Methods: A retrospective review of all patients with isolated index finger amputations was performed as well as evaluation of their hand function including the DASH questionnaire, Purdue Pegboard and Functional dexterity tests, Jebsen test of hand function, pinch and grip strength, moving and static two-point discrimination and range of motion values of all finger. The results were compared with an age and sex matched control group of healthy participants.

Results: Function impairment of the injured hand can be seen in comparison to the contralateral hand and to the control group, in most of the functional test results.

Average function dexterity test for the Right hand was 38.3 seconds for the amputation group vs 20.75 for the control group. Average results of Purdue test of the right hand were 10.3 for the amputation group vs 15.1 for the control group. Grip strength average of the right hand was 76.6 for the amputation group vs 104.5 for the control group. Average pinch strength for the right hand was 19.1 for the amputation group vs 24.2 for the control group. Significant difference was also observed looking at the DASH score averaging 23.4 at the amputation group vs 3 at the control group.

Discussion: According to our results, index finger amputations result in significant decrease in hand function.