Use of modified tension band sutures for fingernail disruptions

Abstract

A series of 66 patients, aged between 1 and 70 years, with 70 disruptive injuries to finger nails was reviewed. The injuries were treated by cleaning of the finger, evacuation of haematoma and anatomical replacement of the nail plate, or a substitute, which was secured with a modified dorsal tension band suture without formal repair of the nail bed. K-wire fixation of the distal phalanx was employed only in the event of displaced fracture of the distal phalanx, complete absence of the nail plate and laceration extending to the distal pulp. This simple method, which bypasses the injured and friable, but vital nail structures resulted in uncomplicated re-formation of the normal nail plate in all of the cases. Removal of the nail plate and formal repair of the nail bed is not necessary in any age group with finger nail disruptions.