What is Nail Deformity injuries?

Injuries to the nail bed are very common, and are often the result of the finger being slammed in something, such as a door, a drawer, or some other hinged device. They can vary widely, from simple bruising of the bed itself, to fracture of the distal phalanx (the tip of the finger), to even more severe nerve and tendon damage. More often than not, they are not particularly serious injuries, but they can be extremely painful. They frequently may lead to nail deformity.

What causes Nail Deformity injuries?

Nail bed injuries can have a variety of causes, but by and large they are the result of slamming, crushing, pinching or bashing trauma to the fingertip.

What are symptoms of Nail Deformity injuries?

Injuries to the nail bed typically present first as hematoma underneath the fingernail. These collections of blood can be very painful, and quickly turn the nail area purplish black. If the injury is particularly severe, parts of the nail may flake off. In addition, it is possible that greater injury has been done to the finger than is immediately apparent and if that is the case, the pain may be much worse, or a fracture may be apparent. If nerves or tendons have been damaged, then motor control of the fingertip may be impaired.

How to diagnose Nail Deformity injuries

The doctor must be provided with as specific an account as possible of what caused the injury to the nail bed, so that he can accurately reach a possible diagnosis. If the injury to the finger is severe enough, the doctor will have X-rays taken to see if there are any broken bones, and if so, how they need to be set.

Non-surgical treatment of Nail Deformity injuries

The most common treatment for this type of injury, if the injury is not to a great extent, is for the doctor to make a small hole in the fingernail usually by a painless process of using an eye cautery, which allows the blood that has collected beneath it to escape, as well as relieving the pressure in the area, which gets rid of some pain. It may be necessary for the doctor to piece together the nail back into its original position, but is it often easier to let an entirely new nail grow in place of a lost or broken one.

Surgical treatment of Nail Deformity injuries

Many nail bed injuries are simple enough to be repaired in the emergency room, but if you do end up seeing a specialist, and surgery is necessary, it is most likely that pins will be used to keep the bone in place as it heals. Because surgery is only necessary in the most severe cases, the bone is usually close to shattered, making it a difficult fix, but one that can be done in some cases. If a permanent nail bed deformity results, a scar resection and nail bed graft procedure may be needed.

How can Dr. Knight help you with Nail Deformity injuries?

Nail bed injures can be extremely painful, and it is important to have them treated by a professional in a timely fashion. Dr. Knight has seen all kinds of finger injuries in his practice, and is well versed in their treatment. Whatever the need may be, from surgery to the removal of a fingernail, Dr. Knight can do it.

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