THE HYPHECAN CAP - A BIOLOGICAL FINGERTIP DRESSING

An occlusive biological dressing, the Hyphecan cap, was evaluated in t he management of full-thickness pulp defects of fingers and thumb in 2 0 consecutive patients. The cap was applied directly to the tip of the injured finger and allowed to separate gradually over the course of s everal weeks as new skin regenerated. This approach proved simple and effective in achieving a good functional and cosmetic result within a relatively short time: and eliminated the pain and discomfort associat ed with conventional dressing changes. We recommend the use of this dr essing material in the Accident and Emergency department for the out-p atient management of de-epithelializing finger injuries in both clinic al and adults. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.