A 29-year-old chef presents to a Melbourne ED, triage category 3, with a volar finger laceration from a knife. He cannot flex the DIP joint of the

Question

A 29-year-old chef presents to a Melbourne ED, triage category 3, with a volar finger laceration from a knife. He cannot flex the DIP joint of the index finger. Sensation is intact and bleeding is controlled. What is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Irrigate, dress, splint and refer urgently to hand surgery

Answer

Close skin and discharge with no follow-up

Answer

Inject corticosteroid into tendon sheath

Answer

Treat as simple abrasion

Answer

Encourage active exercises immediately

Flexor tendon laceration — ACEM Fellowship MCQ

A 29-year-old chef presents to a Melbourne ED, triage category 3, with a volar finger laceration from a knife. He cannot flex the DIP joint of the index finger. Sensation is intact and bleeding is controlled. What is the most appropriate management?