Correction of Hook Nail Deformity with Composite Graft.
- Author:
Dae Gu SON
1
;
Hyung Bin SOHN
;
Hyun Ji KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Keimyung University, Dongsan Medical Center, Daegu, Korea. handson@dsmc.or.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Finger tip injury;
Hook nail;
Composite graft
- MeSH:
Congenital Abnormalities*;
Discrimination (Psychology);
Follow-Up Studies;
Foot;
Humans;
Tissue Donors;
Toes;
Transplants*
- From:Journal of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
2007;34(3):377-382
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: Hook nail deformity is caused by inadequately supported nail bed due to loss of distal phalanx or lack of soft tissue, resulting in a claw-like nail form. A composite graft from the foot bencath the nail bed gives adequate restoration of tip pulp. METHODS: From September of 1999 to March of 2004, six patients were treated for hook nail deformity and monitored for long term follow up. Donor sites were the lateral side of the big toe or instep area of the foot. We examined cosmetic appearance and nail hooking and sensory test. The curved nail was measured by the picture of before and after surgery. RESULTS: In all cases, composite grafts were well taken, and hook nail deformities were corrected. The curved nail of the 4 patients after surgery were improved to average 28.7 degrees from average 55.2 degrees before surgery. The static two point discrimination average was 6.5mm and the moving two point discrimination average was 5.8mm in the sensory test. CONCLUSION: Composite graft taken from foot supports the nail bed with the tissue closely resembling the fingertip tissue, making it possible for anatomical and histological rebuilding of fingertip.
