Nail salvage using the eponychial flap

New Technique for Correcting Bony Deformity in Racquet Thumb

: This article aims to present a new method for correcting bony deformity in racquet thumb.

METHODS

We operated on 37 thumbs of 32 patients (age, 17-52 years) with racquet thumb using a procedure that included narrowing the nail bed, recreating the lateral nail fold, making a bone defect in the widened proximal base, and exposing more proximal nail bed. The ratio of the length to the width of the nail was calculated.

RESULTS

The ratio of the length to the width of the nail increased from 0.55 before surgery to 0.78 at the final follow-up visit. Most patients were satisfied with the cosmetic and functional results.

CONCLUSIONS

This technique is simple, safe, and both cost- and time-effective and is a good option for the repair of racquet thumb.

Soft Tissue Coverage of the Digits and Hand

There are multiple options available for reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the digits. The main goal of reconstruction is to achieve normal or near-normal mobility. Soft tissue defects can be considered in the following groups: fingertip, nonfingertip, and multiple digits. The choice of reconstruction for fingertip defects depends primarily on the amount of volar skin available. The patient's functional demands and expectations, and the expertise of the surgeon, also determine the reconstructive strategy.