Treatment-related and clinical predictors of extended recovery after fingertip injury: a single-centre experience.
AIM To evaluate whether treatment approach and Allen's classification are associated with treatment duration after fingertip injury and to identify predictors of prolonged recovery. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 91 patients treated for fingertip injuries at Cantonal Hospital Zenica (January 2024 - December 2024). Injuries were classified using Allen's system, and treatment duration was grouped as 7-25, 26-35, or 36-90 days. RESULTS The cohort was predominantly male (89.0%), with a median age of 47 years (IQR 36-71). Median treatment duration was 24 days (IQR 15-33). Longer treatment duration was associated with exposed distal phalanx (p = 0.016), type 2 diabetes mellitus (p < 0.001), and treatment approach (p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, osteosynthesis compared with suture (OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.30-12.63) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR 3.78, 95% CI 1.22-11.72) were associated with prolonged treatment in exploratory multivariable analysis (36-90 days). CONCLUSION Treatment approach and selected comorbidities should be considered alongside injury classification when anticipating recovery duration; however, the findings should be interpreted cautiously because of the limited number of prolonged-treatment events and diabetic patients.