Splinter haemorrhages in the elderly

We have determined the frequency and significance of finger-nail splinter haemorrhages in 220 patients over the age of 65 years admitted to acute geriatric wards. Splinter haemorrhages were found in 35 (16%) patients. Splinters are less common in the elderly than in younger people. They are associated with the use of walking aids; trauma to the nails seems to be the main causative factor. We found no association between splinter haemorrhages and specific medical disorders, bacteraemia or senile purpura. Splinter haemorrhages are an unhelpful physical sign in the elderly.