Friday 28 February 2014

Nail Injuries

After looking at the available resources, this is my summary of the suggested management for nail injuries in MY hospital. Please do comment with what you'd do in your hospital.

Subungal haematoma: GP follow up
There is no evidence that trephining a subungal haematoma reduces pain, or alters outcome. Some sources suggest draining if it is >50% of the nail.
If the patient has a lot of pain from their haematoma, trephining is recommended.
Twisting a green needle over an area of haematoma normally allows blood to escape. A red hot paperclip is no longer recommended. This procedure is normally well tolerated, and a digital nerve block is rarely needed.
Removing the nail to look for nail bed lacerations is low yield, and no longer routinely recommended.
There is no evidence that antibiotics are helpful, even if there is an associated fracture.
No follow up is needed for the subungal haematoma itself - fractures may need further management.

Nailbed lacerations: GP follow up
If the nail has been ripped off and is in-tact, consider replacing the nail to protect the nail bed.

Foreign Body under the nail: GP follow up

Perform a digital nerve block and remove the foreign body with fine forceps.
If you need to cut away the nail, take as smaller wedge out as possible.

Paronychia: GP follow up

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