Nail Reconstruction With Nail Bed Graft From Big Toe: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Dermatology

Background:

• Fingertip injuries involving nail bed loss can result in significant cosmetic and functional deformities.
• Nail avulsion, particularly from blunt trauma, presents a reconstructive challenge.
• Standard reconstructive techniques may not always restore full nail aesthetics and function.

Observation:

• A 17-year-old female presented with nail avulsion of the left second index finger due to blunt trauma.
• The injury involved loss of the nail bed, posing a risk of permanent deformity.
• Surgical intervention was planned to restore nail form and function.

Findings:

• Nail reconstruction was performed using a split-thickness graft harvested from the sterile matrix of the great toe.
• The graft successfully restored the nail structure at the recipient site.
• Postoperative assessment revealed appropriate healing at both the donor (toe) and recipient (finger) sites.

Implications:

• This case demonstrates the efficacy of utilizing a toe graft for nail bed reconstruction, a rarely employed method.
• The successful outcome suggests this technique is a viable option for managing complex nail avulsions.
• Further investigation into split-thickness toe grafts for nail reconstruction may offer improved functional and aesthetic results for patients.