Vascularized nail transfer from non-replantable digit: a case report

Area of Science:

• Hand surgery
• Reconstructive surgery
• Microsurgery

Background:

• Traumatic finger amputations often result in complex tissue loss.
• Replantation is not always feasible or consented to by the patient.
• Nail unit reconstruction is crucial for functional and aesthetic hand restoration.

Observation:

• A patient sustained traumatic amputation of the ring and small fingers, with middle finger damage.
• The ring finger's nail unit was intact but the digit was non-replantable.
• The patient did not consent to replantation of the amputated digits.

Findings:

• The intact nail unit from the non-replantable ring finger was successfully harvested.
• This nail unit was utilized for major finger reconstruction.
• This represents the first reported case of vascularized nail transfer from a non-replantable digit.

Implications:

• This technique offers a viable alternative for finger reconstruction using a vascularized nail graft.
• It expands reconstructive options for severe hand trauma where traditional methods are unsuitable.
• Further research may validate this approach for broader clinical application in hand surgery.