Salvaging a Totally Avulsed Nail Bed Using Free Grafting and Postoperative Ice Cooling: A Case Report

Most nail bed injuries occur along with other fingertip injuries; however, isolated total avulsion injuries of the nail bed are uncommon. To obtain optimal results, reconstructive methods should be selected judiciously depending on the type of injury, the patient's needs for their economic status and postoperative aesthetics, and postoperative morbidities. Replantation with an avulsed nail bed, if feasible, can be a reasonable treatment option to avoid the morbidities of other donor sites. This report presents a rare case of a 26-year-old man who experienced an isolated total avulsion injury of the nail bed with exposure of the phalangeal bone while using machinery, which was treated successfully with free grafting and postoperative ice cooling.