Correction of Hook Nail Deformity with Composite Graft

PURPOSE: Hook nail deformity is caused by inadequately supported nail bed due to loss of distal phalanx or lack of soft tissue, resulting in a claw-like nail form. A composite graft from the foot bencath the nail bed gives adequate restoration of tip pulp. METHODS: From September of 1999 to March of 2004, six patients were treated for hook nail deformity and monitored for long term follow up. Donor sites were the lateral side of the big toe or instep area of the foot. We examined cosmetic appearance and nail hooking and sensory test. The curved nail was measured by the picture of before and after surgery. RESULTS: In all cases, composite grafts were well taken, and hook nail deformities were corrected. The curved nail of the 4 patients after surgery were improved to average 28.7 degrees from average 55.2 degrees before surgery. The static two point discrimination average was 6.5mm and the moving two point discrimination average was 5.8mm in the sensory test. CONCLUSION: Composite graft taken from foot supports the nail bed with the tissue closely resembling the fingertip tissue, making it possible for anatomical and histological rebuilding of fingertip.

The “Antenna” Procedure for the “Hook-nail” Deformity: A report of 2 cases / 대한정형외과학회잡지

The hook-nail deformity after finger tip amputation is very common problem. This usually occurs after loss of part of the distal pulp, phalanx, and nail bed. This deformity for some patients is a trivial lesion and may be ignored, but it may be of great cosmetic significance or disabling with regard to certain occupations to the others. To correct the deformity, it is necessary to release volarly displaced nailbed, return it to its normal position, and provide adequate support to maintain correction by a carefully planned "antenna" procedure. Deformed nail is removed, tethered pulp is freed from distal phalanx, and then full thickness of the nail bed is elevated and splinted with multiple small Kirschner wires in a straight position like antennae. The coverage of defect created is done by cross finger flap. The knowledge of anatomy and physiology of nail and sorrunding structures is important to obtain good results and reduce secondary deformities. Two cases of antenna procedures for the hook nail deformily is reported with good results.