Subungual hematomas may be simple (ie, the nail and nail fold are intact) or accompanied by significant injuries to the nail fold and digit (eg, fingertip avulsion) . Trephination of a subungual hematoma consists of placing one or more holes in the nail to permit drainage of blood.
Surgical Drainage. In certain situations, hematomas require surgical drainage. It depends on the location of the hematoma and the severity of the symptoms. It also dictates the type of procedure and its urgency. Certain indications for surgical drainage of hematoma are mentioned below: 1.
A subungual hematoma is a bruised fingernail or toenail that develops after sudden trauma to your nail — like hitting your fingertip with a hammer or dropping a brick on your toe. A simple drainage procedure can ease your pain and support healing. But you should never attempt subungual hematoma drainage at home. Seek medical care.
A small subungual hematoma may not need medical treatment. Ice and elevate the area to reduce swelling, and take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like aspirin , Advil , or Motrin for minor pain.
Healthcare providers recommend draining subungual hematomas if they cause significant pain or occupy 50% or more of the nail’s area. In cases where there's a fracture, drainage is advisable if the hematoma covers 25% or more of the nail. For optimal results, it's crucial to see a doctor within the first 48 hours post-injury, as blood starts ...
Check out this month’s instructional video—“Draining a subungual hematoma.” Draining is indicated to relieve pain caused by subungual hematomas when the nail edges are unaffected. The decision to perform this procedure is based on the degree of pain, rather than the size of the hematoma. The video reviews the technique and equipment ...
Most, but not all attempts to drain the subungual haematoma will be successful!! ... Trephining subungual hematomas. Canadian Family physician. 54, 693. Guthrie K. The Half Moon Nail. LITFL ; Sherman, S. Simon’s Emergency Orthopedics 7e; Purcell, D. Minor Injuries A Clinical Guide 3e; CLINICAL CASES. Bone and Joint Bamboozler
Overview of Subungual Hematoma Drainage. A subungual hematoma is a condition where blood collects under the nail due to an injury. People usually experience pain and color change of the nail as a result. It commonly happens when the fingertip gets a hard knock or is squeezed really hard, like when getting a finger pinched in a doorway.
Subungual hematoma, or bleeding under the nail, can cause discoloration, pressure, and pain. If you see your healthcare provider within 48 hours, it can be drained to relieve pressure. If you have other symptoms suggesting a fracture, you experience pain, or the discoloration appears without a known cause, always see your healthcare provider.
Current recommendations for drainage of acute (less than 48 hours) subungual hematomas advocate for trephination, a procedure where a hole is made in the nail to drain the hematoma. Previous recommendations were to remove the nail for any hematoma greater than 50% of the nail or greater than 25% of the nail in the presence of a fracture.
A paperclip opened for use in draining a subungual hematoma. The open end would be heated to allow it to make a hole in the nail. Cause of a Subungual Hematoma. Finger injuries are common and range from minor cuts and scrapes to wounds with major damage to bone, tendons, and ligaments. If not treated properly, serious finger injuries can lead ...
Subungual hematoma drainage can reduce pressure and pain. If there is a fracture, the doctor may perform trephination even if the hematoma only covers 25% of the nail bed. After drainage, do not soak the affected finger or toe in water. This increases the chance of bacteria getting into the hole in the nail.
A subungual hematoma is a bruise that forms under the nail after trauma. Subungual hematomas can be very painful, but draining them can provide pain relief. Most subungual hematomas heal well, but there’s a risk for complications like nail loss and infection.
A Subungual Hematoma is a perfect example. The term means blood between your fingernail or toenail and the nail bed. Regardless of what you call it, ‘Nail blood’ at the least look ugly and at worst can be pretty painful. Many people ask ‘What happens if you don’t drain a subungual hematoma?’
A subungual hematoma is blood under a fingernail or toenail. It's caused by hitting the nail with an object such as a hammer. Or it can happen if you pinch it in a door or drawer. The hematoma can cause throbbing pain in the hurt finger or toe. Your doctor may have relieved the pain by making a small hole in the nail. This lets the blood drain out.
It’s generally too late to drain a subungual hematoma once the tissue has started to heal, typically after 48 to 72 hours. Understanding Subungual Hematomas. Subungual hematomas occur when blood collects under the nail, often due to trauma. This injury can be caused by slamming your finger in a door, dropping something heavy on it, or other ...
Subungual hematoma drainage is indicated whenever the hematoma causes pain or concerns more than 50% of the nail (or more than 25% with an associated fracture).1 Studies have shown that trephination has the same efficacy as complete removal of the nail. If the subungual hematoma is associated with the complete avulsion of the nail, a displaced phalanx fracture or a proximal fracture involving ...
Subungual hematoma drainage is a minor surgical procedure performed to relieve pain and prevent complications associated with the accumulation of blood beneath the nail. By safely evacuating the hematoma, patients experience relief and allow for proper wound care and assessment.
