Unilateral Beau's lines associated with a fractured and immobilized wrist

Beau's lines are transverse depressions of the nail plates. They are usually bilateral and result from a temporary cessation in the growth of the nail plate during severe systemic illnesses. Although transverse grooves can occur on the nails of one extremity, this has not been a commonly reported phenomenon. An unusual case of unilateral Beau's line associated with a metaphyseal fracture of the distal radius extending into the growth plate with wrist immobilization is presented. Other related causes of Beau's line are reviewed.