Evaluation of electrophotobiomodulation as a recent tool in the armamentarium of treatment of fingertip injuries

Abstract

Background Traditional reconstructive options of fingertip injuries are technically difficult, usually need donor site skin grafting, leave visible scars, and need a protracted period of finger immobilization resulting in joint stiffness. Electro-photobiomodulation (EPBM), is the process of combining intense pulsed light and radiofrequency to modify tissues to help the body heal itself, lower inflammation, and promote wound healing. Patients and methods This study included 60 patients presented with fingertip injuries. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 includes patients who were treated by EPBM. Group 2 includes patients who were treated by cross finger flap (CFF). Six months after complete healing, evaluation was performed for aesthetic and functional outcome and patient satisfaction. Results Compared to group 2 patients, group 1 patients had statistically significant better sensory outcome, better total active motion of affected digits, grip strength, patient satisfaction, healing time, and plastic surgeon general aesthetic evaluation and also, they had statistically significant less adverse events and cold intolerance with absent donor site pain and deformity. Conclusion EPBM is safe and effective treatment of fingertip injuries which shortens the healing time, produces the best aesthetic and functional result while avoiding donor site morbidity of the traditional reconstructive options.