ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: We wanted to introduce a nail lengthening technique with an eponychial flap for treating finger tip amputation, and we review the relevant literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients who received eponychial flap surgery between November 2001 and April 2006 were enrolled in this study. Retrospectively, the patients were asked, by using a questionnaire, about their satisfaction with their nail shape and length. The preoperative findings and the findings at the last follow up and the contralateral finger nail lengths were measured with a ruler and those were all compared according to the percentage of change. RESULTS: The average operation time was fourteen minutes (range: 10 to 19 minutes). All the flaps survived and there was no infection, congestion of the flap, or additional deformity of nail. The average follow up period was five months. The nails were lengthened an average of 0.35 cm. The last follow up questionnaire showed that the patients were satisfied with their nail's appearance with an average score of 95.5 points. CONCLUSION: Nail lengthening using an eponychial flap is a convenient, safe and aestheticall pleasing procedure.