Fingernail injury in children

Jefferson Braga Silva1

  • 1Service of Hand Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul Hospital São Lucas, Av. Ipiranga, 6690, Centro Clinico PUCRS, Suite 216, Porto Alegre, RS, 90610-000, Brazil; Hospital Moinhos de Vento, Av. Ramiro Barcelos 910, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-000, Brazil.

Insights

Pediatric fingertip crush injuries, often from doors, require careful management. This review examines evidence for treating distal phalanx fractures, nail bed injuries, and subungual hematomas in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Orthopedics
  • Trauma Surgery
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Fingertip injuries are frequent in pediatric patients.
  • Crush injuries, often door-related, are the most common type of pediatric fingertip trauma.
  • These injuries affect the nail complex, including the distal phalanx, nail bed, and subungual region.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the existing literature on the management of pediatric fingertip crush injuries.
  • To establish best evidence for treating distal phalanx fractures, nail bed injuries, and subungual hematomas in children.
  • To provide a comprehensive overview of current clinical practices.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review.
  • Analysis of studies focusing on pediatric fingertip trauma.
  • Evidence-based assessment of management strategies for specific injury types.

Main Results:

  • Common mechanisms include crush injuries from doors.
  • Management strategies vary based on injury severity and type.
  • Evidence synthesis aims to guide optimal treatment protocols.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of pediatric fingertip injuries requires understanding of common injury patterns.
  • Evidence-based guidelines are crucial for optimizing outcomes in distal phalanx fractures, nail bed injuries, and subungual hematomas.
  • Further research may refine treatment protocols for these common pediatric injuries.

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