Subscribe: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to Dr. G's Rules of Thumb Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Article: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠A Hand Surgeon's Guide to Nail Trauma and Treatment

Summary:

In this episode of the Rules of Thumb podcast, Dr. G discusses nail trauma and treatment, focusing on the anatomy of nails, types of nail injuries, surgical decisions, and recovery expectations. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding nail anatomy and the implications of different types of injuries, including subungual hematomas, nail bed lacerations, and avulsion injuries. Dr. G provides insights into when surgery may be necessary and the healing process for nail injuries.

Keywords: nail trauma, nail injuries, nail anatomy, treatment, surgery, recovery, germinal matrix, subungual hematoma, nail bed lacerations, avulsion injuries

Takeaways:

• Nail injuries are common yet often misunderstood.
• Understanding nail anatomy is crucial for treatment.
• Nail injuries fall into three main categories.
• Subungual hematomas can often be treated conservatively.
• Surgery may be needed for severe nail bed injuries.
• The germinal matrix is key to nail growth and appearance.
• Recovery from nail injuries takes time, typically 4-6 months.
• Most nail injuries heal well with proper treatment.
• Consult a professional when in doubt about nail injuries.
• Future nail appearance can be uncertain after injury.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Nail Trauma and Treatment

00:21 Understanding Nail Anatomy

01:48 Types of Nail Injuries

03:10 Surgical Decisions for Nail Injuries

04:35 Recovery and Expectations

Disclaimer:

If you are having a medical emergency, call 911. Do not attempt to contact or obtain medical services through this site. This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this site or materials linked from this site is at the user's own risk. The content of this site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition they may have, and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The content is my own and does not necessarily reflect the views of my employer.