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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.

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

Original Article: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠From Door Slams to Hammers: Understanding Fingertip Injuries

Summary:

In this episode of the Rules of Thumb podcast, the host discusses the prevalence and complexity of fingertip injuries, exploring their anatomy, evaluation, treatment options, and recovery processes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding these injuries, proper evaluation, and the need for early motion in recovery. The host also highlights the unique healing capabilities of fingertips and the long-term effects of such injuries.

Keywords: fingertip injuries, nail bed injuries, hand surgery, injury recovery, fingertip anatomy, emergency care, patient evaluation, fingertip treatment

Takeaways:

• Fingertip injuries are more common than you might think.
• Understanding the anatomy of the fingertip is crucial for treatment.
• Not all fingertip injuries require surgery; evaluation is key.
• The fingertip has a remarkable ability to heal over time.
• Early motion is essential to prevent stiffness during recovery.
• Cold intolerance can last for a year or more after injury.
• Proper wound care is vital for healing.
• Most fingertip injuries look better after a few months.
• Patient preferences play a significant role in treatment decisions.
• Fingertip injuries can lead to long-term sensitivity issues.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Fingertip Injuries

04:50 Evaluating Fingertip Injuries

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.

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

Original Article: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠How to See a Specialist in 2025 — An Insider's Guide to Making Your Visit Count

Summary:

In this episode of the Rules of Thumb Podcast, Dr. G shares valuable insights on how to effectively navigate specialist visits in the current healthcare system. He emphasizes the importance of preparation, including organizing symptoms, completing paperwork in advance, and bringing necessary imaging. Dr. G also discusses the significance of asking focused questions to maximize the limited time with a specialist, ultimately aiming to enhance the patient experience and ensure better healthcare outcomes.

Keywords: specialist visits, healthcare tips, patient preparation, medical system, musculoskeletal health

Takeaways:

• Think like a doctor before your visit.
• Organize your symptoms using the doctor's framework.
• Complete paperwork in advance to save time.
• Bring imaging on a physical disk for better care.
• Focus on three to five high-impact questions.
• Quality of questions is more important than quantity.
• Prepare for your appointment to maximize time with the doctor.
• Understand the limitations of the current medical system.
• Use these strategies to navigate specialist visits effectively.
• Share these tips with friends who are waiting for appointments.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Musculoskeletal Health

04:46 Maximizing Your Time with Specialists

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.