• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.38-42
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• 2011

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of intermittent bleeding method in the distal phalanx replantation. Materials and Methods: From January 2007 through June 2009, authors have replanted 117 cases of distal phalangeal amputation in adults at Soo Hospital and Chonbuk National University Hospital. Cases of zone II were 60 cases and zone III 57 according to Allen classification. Male to female ratio was 8.7:1.3. The most common cause was machinery injury in the factory, 98 cases(83.8%), next one was belt injury of the machine, 11 cases(9.4%) and others, 8(6.8%). At least one digital artery and digital nerve were anastomosed under the operating microscope, but vein was impossible to anastomosis as unable to find out in the zone II and III. After anastomosis of one or more digital arteries and nerves, heparine(6,000-10,000 units) was kept to intravenous injection for 24 hours and at the same time fish mouth incision in 2-3 millimeter diameter was made in the distal radial and ulnar margin of the replanted distal phanlanx. From the first 30 minutes to an hour after replantation, incision site was swabbed with heparinized cotton ball for 5 minutes in every 30 to 40 minutes to make sure perfusion for 24 hours, every an hour at the second day, every two hours at the postoperative third to fifth day. Results: 92 cases(78.6%) was completely survived at average postoperative third week follow-up and satisfied with preservation of the finger nail, digit length, good range of motion of the distal interphalangeal joint and acceptable sensibility at average 1.2 years follow-up. Conclusions: Intermittant bleeding method in replantation of crushed distal phalanx impossible to anastomosis of vein at zone II and III of Allen classification was regarded as one of the notable salvage procedure.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.788-794
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• 2010

Purpose: The fingertip is the most commonly injured part of the hand and its injury frequently results in avulsion or crushing of a segment of the nail bed and fracture of the distal phalangeal bone. Restoration of a flat and smooth nail bed is essential for regrowth of a normal nail, which is important not only for cosmetic reasons but also for tactile capability of the fingertip. It is also anatomical reduction of the distal phalanx to promote patient's cosmetics and prevent nail bed deformity. Absence or no replacement of the nail plate results in obliterated proximal skin fold. When the avulsed nail plate cannot be returned to its anatomic position or when it is absent, we use a synthetic material for splinting the nail bed and alternative reductional method for distal phalangeal bone fracture, especially, instead of hardwares. Methods: From January of 2006 to June of 2009, a total of ten patients and fourteen fingers with crushing or avulsion injuries of the fingertip underwent using the artificial nails for finger splint. We shaped artificial nails into the appropriate sizes for use as fingernail plates. We placed them under the proximal skin fold and sutured to the fold proximally and to the lateral and medial edges of the nail bed or to the distal fingertip. Our splints were as hard as K-wire and other fixation methods and more similar to anatomic nail plates. Artificial nails were kept in place for at least 3 weeks. Results: No artificial nail related complication was noted in any of the ten cases. No other nail fold or nail bed complications were observed, except for minor distal nail deformity because of trauma. Conclusion: In conclusion, in order to secure the nail bed after injury and reduce the distal phalangeal bone fracture, preparing a nail bed splint from a artificial commercial nail is a cheap and effective method, especially, for crushed or avulsion injuries of the fingertip.