Controlled nail trephination for subungual hematoma

Sharon A. Salter, David H. Ciocon, Thiruvallur R. Gowrishankar, Alexa B. Kimball

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

An injury to a finger or toe can result in a collection of blood under the nail plate that if unrelieved can cause extreme discomfort due to pressure. In this case, a 47-year-old man developed a subungual hematoma of the right thumb due to a crush injury. Controlled nail trephination was performed using a uniquely designed drill that penetrated the nail plate without breaching the nail bed. The subungual hematoma was successfully drained, and there was a substantial relief in pain over the subsequent 8 hours. This technique appears to be a quick and convenient method of evacuating subungual hematomas with minimal discomfort and minimal risk.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)875-877
Number of pages3
JournalAmerican Journal of Emergency Medicine
Volume24
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2006
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Emergency Medicine

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