Surgical treatment of acute fingernail injuries

The fingernail has an important role in hand function, facilitating the pinch and increasing the sensitivity of the fingertip. Therefore, immediate and proper strategy in treating fingernail injuries is essential to avoid aesthetic and functional impairment. Nail-bed and fingertip injuries are considered in this review, including subungual hematoma, wounds, simple lacerations of the nail bed and/or matrix, stellate lacerations, avulsion of the nail bed, ungual matrix defect, nail-bed injuries associated with fractures of the distal phalanx, and associated fingertip injuries. All these injuries require careful initial evaluation and adequate treatment, which is often performed under magnification. Delayed and secondary procedures of fingernail sequelae are possible, but final results are often unpredictable.     

Topical becaplermin improves outcomes in work related fingertip injuries

BACKGROUND: Fingertip injuries are common and bear significant costs associated with treatment, lost work, and functional impairment. This study compared these factors in occupationally related fingertip injuries treated with becaplermin, a recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor, and those treated with surgical reconstruction. METHODS: This was a prospective controlled trial involving occupationally related fingertip injuries. Fifty men (ages 23-51) with full thickness, single fingertip injuries > or =1.5 cm(2) with or without phalangeal exposure and distal to the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint were evaluated. Group I (n = 25) underwent treatment with daily topical becaplermin. Group II (n = 25) underwent surgical reconstruction with a skin graft or local soft tissue flap. Time to wound healing, time to return to work, associated treatment costs, and calculated functional impairment were recorded. RESULTS: Patients in Group I returned to work in significantly less time than those in Group II-10 days versus 38 days respectively). The average calculated functional impairment in Group I was 10% versus 22% in Group II. Associated treatment costs in group A were 1580 +/- 145 US Dollars compared with 6750 +/- 785 US Dollars in Group II. All differences were statistically significant at p < 0.05 CONCLUSION: In this study, the functional and economic costs were significantly less when fingertip injuries were treated with topical becaplermin than when they were treated with surgical reconstruction. This information should allow emergency and acute care physicians to treat these injuries more efficaciously and conveniently.     

手指甲床损伤的分型与治疗

目的 探讨手指甲床损伤的分型与治疗方案的选择.方法 2006年1月-2009年12月,对我院105例120指甲床损伤患者进行分析,按照损伤程度将其分为三型,Ⅰ型（甲床无缺损）40指,Ⅱ型（部分性甲床缺损）40指,Ⅲ型（完全性甲床缺损）40指,Ⅰ～Ⅱ型根据损伤特点又分为A、B、和C三个亚型,其中Ⅱ型损伤的A和B亚型又分出两个次级亚型.根据甲床损伤不同分型,分别采用拔甲术、甲床缝合、各种带蒂皮瓣和足趾甲皮瓣移植等进行修复.结果 Ⅰ型缺损中Ⅰ C型共3例出现甲床坏死,改行皮瓣修复后成活,Ⅱ和Ⅲ型损伤采用皮瓣或趾甲皮瓣修复全部成活.随访3～9个月,修复与再造的甲床指甲生长良好,皮瓣外观满意.结论 手指甲床损伤的分型有助于治疗方案选择及预后的判断,带蒂皮瓣是Ⅱ和Ⅲ型甲床损伤修复的有效方法,而足趾甲床皮瓣是修复ⅡB2和Ⅲ型甲床损伤较理想的治疗方法.     

Nail salvage using the eponychial flap

Loss of distal fingertip bone and soft tissue defect can be treated using different methods, but the involvement of the nail influences the choice of surgical approach and makes reconstruction more difficult. The eponychial flap is a backward cutaneous translation flap that lengthens the nail plate and restores a good appearance of the nail apparatus. Pulp reconstruction is usually performed using local flaps (Tranquilli-Leali or Venkataswami flaps). The eponychial flap technique is a safe and easy technique that is indicated in cases of transverse fingertip angulations for lengthening the short amputated nail. This procedure can be used in combination with different flaps for pulp reconstruction.     

Conservative treatment of fingertip injuries

In a prospective investigation of 81 consecutive patients with fingertip injuries conservative treatment was evaluated. Fingertip injuries were defined as lesions greater than or equal to 1 cm2 in the terminal phalanx without injury to the tendons or joints. All fingertip injuries were cleaned and covered by Vaseline gauze and left to heal. If less than 2 mm of soft tissue covered the bone a few millimetres of bone were nibbled away to allow good cover with soft tissue. The majority of injuries (64 per cent) occurred at work. The average healing time was 25 days. The main later complaints were intolerance of cold (36 per cent), numbness (36 per cent) and tenderness (26 per cent). None of the patients had stiff joints. On average, the two-point discrimination had increased by 1 mm in the injured fingertip. Conservative treatment is recommended as a safe and simple treatment of fingertip injuries, even when bone is exposed in the wound.     

Purse-string suture as a complementary technique with conventional flaps in repairing fingertip amputation

The main aim of the treatment in fingertip amputations is to establish the functional and aesthetic construction of the fingertip. The aim of this study is to discuss how to use purse-string suture as a complementary technique accompanying conventional flaps repair in fingertip amputation. Fifty-four patients with fingertip amputations on the nail bed referred to our center for fingertip reconstruction. From which 41 patients who had at least one-third of their nail remained (to preserve the nail) were chosen to undergo this new technique. Patient's satisfaction of the achieved functional results (in case of pain and motion) was as follows: 32 responded excellent, 8 good, and 1 fair. Also, patient's satisfaction of the achieved aesthetic results were Excellent = 7 and Good = 2 in females (n = 9) and Excellent = 19, Good = 7 and Fair = 6 in males (n = 32). 93% (38 patients) of the patients had two-point discriminationof less than 3 mm. No flap necrosis was observed in this study. The flap donor site was covered by primary closure (in 24 cases), secondary intention (in 11 cases), and skin graft (in 6 cases). The nail and finger contour are important for achieving a satisfying aesthetic and functional result. We believe that this new complementary technique could be an easy way for reaching this end. It is recommended that this technique be applied to all fingertip injuries to preserve the nail.     

指尖横形离断伤的分型及修复方法探讨

目的 探讨指尖横形离断伤新的分型和修复方法.方法 2000年3月-2006年10月,收治20例指尖横形离断伤.男13例13指,女7例7指;年龄17～47岁.挤压伤9例,切割伤5例,电锯伤6例.指尖横形离断伤分为4型:Ⅰ型为甲床远1/3平面,Ⅱ型为甲床中段平面,Ⅲ型为甲床近1/3平面,Ⅳ型为甲根平面.Ⅰ型中示指2例,小指1例:Ⅱ型中拇指2例,示指、中指各3例:Ⅲ型中示指3例,环指、小指各1例;Ⅳ型中拇指2例,中指、小指各1例.缺损范围1.2cm×1.2cm～1.5 cm × 1.2 cm.伤后至手术时间3～10 h.其中Ⅰ、Ⅱ型应用带血管神经束顺行岛状皮瓣,并行改良甲床扩大术;Ⅲ、Ⅳ型应用带血管神经束顺行岛状皮瓣与甲床回植,行改良甲床扩大术.术中皮瓣切取范围1.5 cm×1.2 cm～2.0cm×1.4 cm.结果 术后皮瓣及甲床均成活,切口Ⅰ期愈合.供区植皮均成活,创面1期愈合.患者均获随访,随访时间2～6个月,平均4个月.皮瓣外形饱满、质软,肤色和皮温均正常,两点辨别觉4.5～6.5 mm.Ⅰ、Ⅱ型患指指甲较术前延长3～4 mm;Ⅲ、Ⅳ型患指指甲较术前延长8～10 mm.1例术后6个月出现钩甲畸形,未作处理.指甲光滑、无压痛,甲床平整无甲棘:患指各关节活动无影响.结论 对指尖离断伤损伤平面进行分型后采用不同的修复方法,有利于最大程度恢复指尖功能和外形.     

Fingertip Injuries: Evaluation and Treatment

The primary goal of treatment of an injury to the fingertip is a painless fingertip with durable and sensate skin. Knowledge of fingertip anatomy and the available techniques of treatment is essential. For injuries with soft-tissue loss and no exposed bone, healing by secondary intention or skin grafting is the method of choice. When bone is exposed and sufficient nail matrix remains to provide a stable and adherent nail plate, coverage with a local advancement flap should be considered. If the angle of amputation does not permit local flap coverage, a regional flap (cross-finger or thenar) may be indicated. If the amputation is more proximal or if the patient is not a candidate for a regional flap because of advanced age, osteoarthritis, or other systemic condition, shortening with primary closure is preferred. Composite reattachment of the amputated tip may be successful in young children. The outcome of nail-bed injuries is most dependent on the severity of injury to the germinal matrix.     

Bilateral V–Y rotation advancement flap for fingertip amputations

Background  

Fingertip amputation is the most common type of injury in the upper limb. Goals in fingertip amputation reconstruction are covering the defect, establishing maximum tactile gnosis, keeping the length of the finger, protecting the joint function, acquiring a well-padded pulp tissue, providing a bed for growing nail, obtaining a satisfactory cosmetic appearance and allowing the patient to return to work as soon as possible. Adjacent skin and soft tissue are the best covers for fingertip injuries. However, local homodigital flaps lack enough tissue to cover the defect. To solve this problem, we used V–Y rotation advancement flap bilaterally in fingertip amputations which meets all the reconstruction goals. Rotation besides advancement makes this flap more mobile and easier to cover larger defects in all amputation planes.     

Classification of injuries of the cervical spine

Recent advances and the technical options that have lately become available in the surgical treatment of spinal injuries mean that clear definition of the indications is essential. Precise observation and classification of each injury to the cervical spine are of paramount importance for this purpose, to allow the comparison of proposed methods of treatment and of the results obtained with them. There are a number of classification systems for injuries to the cervical spine, none of which, however, is generally accepted. These classification systems are based on different criteria, such as nature of the accident at which the injury was sustained, neurologic deficits, morphological criteria, the concept of instability, and implications for treatment and prognosis. These criteria, however, hardly allow the classification of most of the injuries affecting the upper and those affecting the lower cervical spine in a single system. Therefore, the authors propose a system of their own, which draws on the principles of classification suggested by the ASIF for fractures of the extremities. According to this proposed new system, injuries are divided into those of the upper and those of the lower cervical spine, and each of these two main groups is further divided into three subgroups. In the case of the lower cervical spine, injuries are classed according as whether they affect the anterior or the posterior section of the spine more, or both to the same degree. Beyond this, injuries are subdivided with reference to whether they affect primarily bone, bone and ligament equally, or primarily ligament. Further subdivision by severity and implications for treatment allows more detailed differentiation. This classification system is based on the analysis of over 200 cases of injury to the cervical spine treated by the authors and of cases from the literature.     

Management of Fingertip Injuries: A Survey of Opinions of Surgeons Worldwide

Introduction  Fingertip injuries are common injuries in all ages. There is currently no consensus nor evidence to support the use of any one treatment, with numerous options available for management. The aim is to review the consensus for treatment of fingertip injuries among surgeons worldwide. Materials and Methods  Nonprobability judgment sampling using purposive method was performed on surgeons ( n = 65) using two digital platforms of the community of practice of hand surgeons. Three illustrative case scenarios were presented to the participants to understand their consensus on treating fingertip injuries, and their choice of treatment for themselves with a similar injury. Results  This survey demonstrates that there is a wide range of treatment preferences for fingertip injuries for each clinical scenario. In Allen 1 and in crush injuries, most respondents favored healing by secondary intention (66.2 and 92.3%, respectively). In Allen 3 injuries, 72.3% favored surgical intervention. In all clinical scenarios, most surgeons would want their own fingertip injuries treated identically to how they would treat patients with similar fingertip injuries (93.9, 96.9, and 95.4%, respectively). Furthermore, our study demonstrated experience in surgery was not associated with treatment preferences. Conclusion  Management of fingertip injuries remains controversial, but this study is suggestive that treatment preferences may not be determinant on patient factors, given that all of our respondents are highly functioning individuals who practice microsurgery, but most chose to administer the same treatment to patients as they would to themselves.     

双V-Y推进皮瓣修复拇指指端缺损的临床应用

目的 介绍双V-Y推进皮瓣修复拇指指端缺损的方法及疗效.方法 对9例拇指指端缺损采用双V-Y推进皮瓣修复,小V-Y推进皮瓣远端与甲床仔细缝合,再缝合带尺侧血管神经束的大V-Y推进皮瓣,覆盖创面.术中切取皮瓣面积为14 mm×25 mm～15 mm×35 mm.供区创面直接闭合.结果 术后9例皮瓣全部存活,创面Ⅰ期愈合.随访时间为4～12个月.皮瓣质地柔软,外形与周围组织接近,无臃肿.拇指末节指腹指纹重新建立,指间关节活动正常,无钩甲畸形,指腹两点分辨觉为5～6 mm.根据中华医学会手外科学会上肢部分功能评定试用标准评定:患指主动活动为优7例,良2例.结论 双V-Y推进皮瓣手术操作简单,是修复拇指指端缺损的理想方法之一.     

New technique for non-microsurgical reattachment of avulsed fingertips in adults

Abstract Fifteen patients (aged 21-45 years) with avulsion injuries to a fingertip were reviewed. We report a new technique, in which the subcutaneous pulp flap is combined with the cap technique of the nail complex, for avulsed fingertips in adults. The bone of the avulsed part is excised and the fat removed. The nail complex is preserved, and the subcutaneous pulp flap used to improve the take at the cap-nail complex. This technique is simple, safe, and cost and time effective. It is a good option for repair of an avulsed fingertip.     

A Comparison of Complications in 400 Patients After Native Nail Versus Silicone Nail Splints for Fingernail Splinting After Injuries

Background

The fingertip is the most commonly injured part of the hand and is an important aesthetic part of the hand.

Methods

In this retrospective study we analyzed data from 700 patients operated on between 1997 and 2008 for complications after nail splinting with native nail or silicone nail. Inclusion criteria were patients living in Bern/Berner Land, complete documentation, same surgical team, standard antibiotics, acute trauma, no nail bed transplantation, and no systemic diseases. Groups were analyzed for differences in age, gender, cause and extension of trauma, bony injury and extent, infection, infectious agent, and nail deformities. Statistical analysis was done using the χ ² test, Fisher’s exact test, and Pearson correlation coefficients.

Results

A total of 401 patients, with a median age of 39.5 years, were included. There were more men with injured nails. Two hundred forty native nails and 161 silicone splints were used. There were 344 compression injuries, 44 amputations, and 13 avulsion injuries. Forty-three patients had an infection, with gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) causing most infections. A total of 157 nail dystrophies were observed, split nails most often. The native nail splint group showed significantly (p < 0.015) fewer nail deformities than the silicone nail splint group; otherwise, there were no statistical differences. However, there were twice as many infections in the silicone nail group.

Conclusion

It seems to be advantageous to use the native nail for splinting after trauma, when possible. In case of a destroyed and unusable nail plate, a nail substitute has to be used.     

Comminuted femoral-shaft fractures: treatment by roller traction, cerclage wires and an intramedullary nail, or an interlocking intramedullary nail

In a retrospective study, we attempted to assess progress in the treatment of comminuted fractures of the femoral shaft at Parkland Memorial Hospital from 1978 to 1983. Seventy-nine comminuted femoral-shaft fractures were available for follow-up: thirty-two treated by roller traction, twenty-three treated by cerclage wires and an intramedullary nail, and twenty-four treated by an interlocking intramedullary nail. Using the classification of Winquist and Hansen, Grade-III and IV comminuted fractures accounted for 69 per cent of those treated by roller traction, 68 per cent of those treated by nailing and cerclage wires, and 96 per cent of those treated by an interlocking nail. The frequency of multiple injuries was 38 per cent in the patients treated by roller traction, 39 per cent in those treated by nailing and cerclage wires, and 58 per cent in those treated by an interlocking nail. The average hospitalization times were thirty-one days for roller traction, sixteen days for cerclage wires and an intramedullary nail, and 19.5 days for an interlocking nail. The average length of follow-up was 132 weeks after roller traction, 115 weeks after cerclage wiring and an intramedullary nail, and sixty weeks after insertion of an interlocking nail. All fractures were followed until after union; the average times to union were 18.4 weeks after roller traction, thirty-four weeks after open reduction and intramedullary nailing with cerclage wires, and 13.8 weeks after insertion of an interlocking nail. For the purposes of this study, treatment was assumed to have failed if a change in treatment was necessary, an unplanned reoperation was performed, femoral shortening exceeded 2.5 centimeters, angulation was more than 15 degrees, non-union or a deep infection developed, motion of the knee was less than 70 degrees of flexion, or a refracture occurred. By these criteria, the frequency of failure after roller traction was 66 per cent (secondary to malalignment and shortening); after insertion of an intramedullary nail with cerclage wires, 39 per cent (secondary to unplanned surgery, non-union, shortening, and infection); and after use of an interlocking nail, 4 per cent (secondary to shortening). Currently, at our institution, an interlocking intramedullary nail is the treatment of choice for comminuted femoral-shaft fractures because it encourages early union with maintenance of length and alignment and the results are predictable.     

第二趾趾端复合组织串联趾侧方皮瓣修复指端缺损

目的 探讨第二趾趾端复合组织串联趾侧方皮瓣瓦合修复指端缺损的临床疗效.方法 对16例拇、手指指端复合组织缺损的患者,设计以趾底固有动脉-甲皱襞血管筋膜蒂为血管蒂的第二趾趾端复合组织,串联趾侧方皮瓣进行瓦合修复.结果 术后16例皮瓣全部存活,随访时间为4～17个月,平均12个月.手指功能恢复优良,皮瓣两点分辨觉为4～9 mm,外观逼真,指甲生长外形良好.供区趾甲生长良好,趾端无疼痛,植皮无破溃发生.结论 应用第二趾趾端复合组织串联趾侧方皮瓣修复手指指端缺损,受区外形好,供区损伤小.     

Fenestrated Adipofascial Reverse Flap: A Modified Technique for the Reconstruction of Fingertip Amputations

Aims of the Study: Fingertip injuries can be treated in different ways, including shortening with primary closure, skin graft, and local or distant flaps. Several local flaps for the reconstruction of the amputated fingertip were described. We present our experience with a new concept of homodigital adipofascial reverse flap that avoids the second surgical stage and allows a complete and anatomically perfect reconstruction of nail bed, with preservation of the nail lamina. Materials and Methods: Between March 2014 and February 2015, five patients with digital amputations (distally to the nail matrix) were treated using the Fenestrated Adipofascial Reverse (F.A.R.) flap. The patients were evaluated measuring 2-point discrimination (2PD) value and range of motion of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP). Scar evaluation was performed using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). Results: All the flaps completely survived. A normal nail grow has been observed in first two-three months of post operatory follow-up. Length of the digits was preserved and good aesthetic as functional outcome were archive. The F.A.R. flap provided excellent coverage of fingertip defects and preserved finger length. After 1 year of follow, the mean static 2PD value at the reconstructed finger was 4.2 mm (range 3-5 mm), reconstructed fingers' mean range of motion for the DIP joint was 78 degrees and the VSS score ranged from 0 to 2 (mean score: 0.6). No complications were reported. Conclusions: F.A.R. flap is one of the most useful techniques in order to achieve all the goals in fingertip reconstruction.     

第二趾趾端复合组织串联趾侧方皮瓣修复指端缺损

目的 探讨第二趾趾端复合组织串联趾侧方皮瓣瓦合修复指端缺损的临床疗效.方法 对16例拇、手指指端复合组织缺损的患者,设计以趾底固有动脉-甲皱襞血管筋膜蒂为血管蒂的第二趾趾端复合组织,串联趾侧方皮瓣进行瓦合修复.结果 术后16例皮瓣全部存活,随访时间为4～17个月,平均12个月.手指功能恢复优良,皮瓣两点分辨觉为4～9 mm,外观逼真,指甲生长外形良好.供区趾甲生长良好,趾端无疼痛,植皮无破溃发生.结论 应用第二趾趾端复合组织串联趾侧方皮瓣修复手指指端缺损,受区外形好,供区损伤小.     

第二趾趾端复合组织串联趾侧方皮瓣修复指端缺损

目的 探讨第二趾趾端复合组织串联趾侧方皮瓣瓦合修复指端缺损的临床疗效.方法 对16例拇、手指指端复合组织缺损的患者,设计以趾底固有动脉-甲皱襞血管筋膜蒂为血管蒂的第二趾趾端复合组织,串联趾侧方皮瓣进行瓦合修复.结果 术后16例皮瓣全部存活,随访时间为4～17个月,平均12个月.手指功能恢复优良,皮瓣两点分辨觉为4～9 mm,外观逼真,指甲生长外形良好.供区趾甲生长良好,趾端无疼痛,植皮无破溃发生.结论 应用第二趾趾端复合组织串联趾侧方皮瓣修复手指指端缺损,受区外形好,供区损伤小.