Subungual Hematoma Evacuation

CHAPTER 35 Subungual Hematoma Evacuation



Injuries to the nail bed and fingertip are the most common injuries to the upper extremity. Most common among these is a subungual hematoma, which results from a direct blow to the fingernail or a squeezing-type injury to the distal finger, causing bleeding into the space between the nail bed and the fingernail itself. Intense pain can result from the pressure generated by such a hematoma. Evacuation of the hematoma can produce significant relief and can be performed safely in the outpatient setting. Toenails can be treated in the same fashion. Evacuation of a hematoma may or may not prevent the eventual spontaneous avulsion of the nail that results from some hematomas. Patients should be made aware of this possibility. Radiographs may be necessary and, if a fracture is documented, antibiotics may be indicated because this would then essentially be an open fracture.





May 14, 2017 | Posted by in GENERAL & FAMILY MEDICINE | Comments Off on Subungual Hematoma Evacuation

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