Management of Mildly Displaced Tuft Fractures

Initial Assessment and Treatment

Conservative management is the mainstay of treatment for mildly displaced tuft fractures, similar to other non-displaced or minimally displaced fractures 1
Pain control should be initiated promptly, as fractures are painful particularly on movement, and simple analgesics such as paracetamol should be prescribed on a regular basis unless contraindicated 2
Opioids should be used with caution, especially in patients with potential renal dysfunction, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are relatively contraindicated in many patients 2

Protective splinting of the affected digit is recommended to provide stability and pain relief, and the splint should immobilize the distal interphalangeal joint while allowing proximal interphalangeal joint motion to prevent stiffness 1
Immobilization is typically maintained for 3-4 weeks until clinical healing is evident 1

Regular follow-up is recommended to ensure proper healing and to adjust treatment if necessary, according to Praxis Medical Insights 1
Patients should be advised to return for re-evaluation if symptoms worsen or do not improve as expected, as recommended by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 3