Subungual hematoma: Difference between revisions

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==Background==
==Background==
Subungual hematoma is a collection of blood under the nail and and the nail bed.  There is a strong association with distal phalanx fractures.  In the past, complete nail removal and exploration and closure of possible nail bed lacerations was performed.  A prospective study of 52 children supports management with trephination alone for any size hematoma.<ref>Roser SE, Gellman H. Comparison of nail bed repair versus nail trephination for subungual hematomas in children. J Hand Surg. 1999;24(6):2266-1170.</ref>
*Consider intervention for hematoma >50% of nail bed
*Consider intervention for hematoma >50% of nail bed
[[File:Subungal hematoma.jpg|thumb|Subungal hematoma]]
[[File:Subungal hematoma.jpg|thumb|Subungal hematoma]]

Revision as of 00:14, 24 November 2015

Background

Subungual hematoma is a collection of blood under the nail and and the nail bed. There is a strong association with distal phalanx fractures. In the past, complete nail removal and exploration and closure of possible nail bed lacerations was performed. A prospective study of 52 children supports management with trephination alone for any size hematoma.[1]

  • Consider intervention for hematoma >50% of nail bed
Subungal hematoma
All blood has been expelled through the trephination hole

Types

  • Simple - no nailbed dislocation, no e/o open fracture
  • Complex - beyond simple

Diagnosis

Differential Diagnosis

Distal Finger (Including Nail) Injury

Hand and finger injuries

Management

Simple

  1. Trephination
    • Handheld cautery works best - no anesthesia is required
    • Alternatively a needle spun in a drilling fashion
    • Sharp object (i.e. safety pin) heated with flame in an austere environment
  2. If a fracture is present, the digit should be splinted
  3. Instruct pts to soak affected finger in warm water BID-TID x7d

Complex

  1. Nail removal only recommended if there is associated nail avulsion or nail fold disruption
  2. Repair nailbed laceration using absorbable sutures

See Also

References

  1. Roser SE, Gellman H. Comparison of nail bed repair versus nail trephination for subungual hematomas in children. J Hand Surg. 1999;24(6):2266-1170.