The repair of nail deformities with the nonvascularized nail bed graft: indications and results

J Hand Surg Am. 1990 May;15(3):466-70. doi: 10.1016/0363-5023(90)90062-v.

Abstract

Twenty-four cases of nonvascularized nail bed grafting to correct nail deformities were reviewed. The highest success rate in improving the appearance of the deformed nail, 86%, was achieved when the split-thickness nail bed graft of sterile matrix was used to correct a nail deformity caused by a sterile matrix injury; the same procedure used to correct a nail deformity caused by a germinal matrix injury had a 0% success rate. Donor site morbidity occurred in 25% of split-thickness nail bed grafts and 100% of full-thickness nail bed grafts. The split-thickness nail bed graft of sterile matrix, if used in properly selected patients, will consistently improve the appearance of the deformed nail.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methods
  • Middle Aged
  • Nails / transplantation*
  • Nails, Malformed / surgery*
  • Retrospective Studies