Application of nail-bed lengthening for fingertip injuries: a report of 36 cases / 中华全科医师杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To summarize clinical experience in application of nail-bed lengthening operation for fingertip injuries.Methods From September 2003 to May 2007,36 patients (25 men and 11 women) aged 16 -45 years (26 in average) with nail defect by fingertip injuries underwent reconstruction operation using nail-bed lengthening at Orthopaedics and Traumatology Hospital of Taizhou,with the thumb involved in 15 cases,the index finger in 10 cases,the middle finger in eight eases and the ring finger in three case.A skin rectangle with thickness of 2 - 3 mm and width as that of the nail was resected at the skin edge 5 -6 mm distant from the epenychium,without damage to underlying subcutaneous vascular network, and U-shape skin flap was delicately slid proximally with its ends sutured.Results All surgical operations for nail lengthening were uneventful and clinically satisfactory,and the appearance of the thumb or other fingers was good during follow-up for six months to three years (19 months in average).Conclusions Nail lengthening for fingertip injuries with nail defect is a simple and effective surgical operation which could improve the appearance of the thumb and other fingers.