Seymour Fracture (Fingertip)
Description
A Seymour fracture is a break of the growth plate at the very tip of a finger, combined with an injury to the nail bed, where the base of the nail often pops up out of its fold. It usually happens from a crush, such as a finger caught in a door. Though it can look like a simple smashed fingertip, it is more than that.
How it happens (the mechanism)
[DR. WEY — dictate mechanism] (open physeal fracture of the distal phalanx with interposed nail bed/germinal matrix; functionally an open fracture → irrigation, nail-bed repair, reduction, antibiotics; risks of infection and growth arrest if missed.)
Symptoms
A painful, swollen fingertip after a crush, often with the nail lifted out of its fold, bleeding at the nail base, or the tip bent down.
Doctor examination and imaging
The doctor examines the nail and skin and the position of the fingertip; X-rays show the growth-plate fracture at the tip.
Treatment
This is treated as an open injury: the wound is thoroughly cleaned, the nail bed and bone are repositioned (sometimes with a small pin), and antibiotics are given. This is often best done soon after the injury, and a splint then protects the fingertip.
Recovery and long-term outlook
Treated promptly and properly, a Seymour fracture does well. Recognizing it early is what prevents infection and protects the fingertip’s growth and the future nail.
When to call the doctor
Because the bone and a skin wound are both involved, infection is the main concern. Watch for increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus or drainage, worsening pain, or fever, and call right away or go to the emergency room if any appear. Give all antibiotics exactly as prescribed.
Learn more
OrthoInfo (AAOS) — Growth Plate Fractures: orthoinfo.aaos.org
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For specific concerns about your child, consult a board-certified, fellowship-trained pediatric orthopaedic surgeon.