nail bed laceration

Etiology

• penetrating or crush injuries to the distal phalanx

Management

• refer to hand surgeon for
  • displaced phalanx fracture
  • tendon injuries
  • large soft tissue defect
• repair to allow for optimal healing & nail regrowth
  • digital block
  • tourniquet to base of finger to create bloodless field
  • pull back the nail to the eponychial fold to expose, irrigate & inspect the nail bed
  • close lacertations with absorbable sutures

More general terms

• finger injury
• hand laceration
• nail disease

Additional terms

• nail bed
• subungual hematoma