Managing Nail Fragments After Finger Suturing: What to Do?

Nail not properly trimmed before finger suturing surgery?

Hello Doctor, recently I had an accident where the tip of my finger and the side of my nail had some flesh removed.
The emergency doctor performed a suturing procedure to stop the bleeding, stitching from the area of the nail, which resulted in half of the nail being cut off.
However, I have noticed that there seems to be some fragmented nail at the sutured wound, and it causes sharp pain whenever I touch it.
I would like to ask how to handle this situation.
Will the nail fall off on its own after the wound heals?

Xiao Feng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/07/29

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

You should consult your attending physician about this issue.

Reply Date: 2022/07/29

More Info

When dealing with nail fragments after a finger suturing procedure, it is essential to approach the situation with caution and proper medical guidance. Based on your description, it seems that you have experienced a significant injury to your finger, which required suturing and resulted in the loss of part of your nail. The presence of sharp nail fragments at the site of the sutured wound can indeed cause discomfort and pain, and it is crucial to address this issue appropriately.

First and foremost, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider or the surgeon who performed the procedure. They will have the best understanding of your specific case and can provide tailored advice. In general, if you notice sharp nail fragments at the wound site, it is advisable not to attempt to remove them yourself, as this could lead to further injury or infection. Instead, a medical professional can assess the situation and determine the best course of action.

In many cases, if the nail fragments are embedded in the healing tissue, they may need to be surgically removed to prevent complications. Leaving sharp fragments in place can lead to chronic pain, irritation, and even infection. Your doctor may perform a minor procedure to carefully extract the fragments while ensuring that the surrounding tissue is preserved as much as possible.

Regarding your question about whether the nail will fall off after the wound has healed, it is possible. The healing process of the nail bed and surrounding tissue can be complex, especially after an injury. If the nail matrix (the tissue under the base of the nail) has been damaged, it may affect the growth of the nail. In some cases, the nail may grow back irregularly or may not grow back at all, depending on the extent of the injury.

After the removal of any sharp fragments, your healthcare provider may recommend a treatment plan to promote healing and minimize discomfort. This could include the use of topical antibiotics to prevent infection, pain management strategies, and possibly physical therapy to regain full function of the finger. Additionally, keeping the area clean and protected is crucial during the healing process.

It is also important to monitor for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge from the wound. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.

In summary, managing nail fragments after finger suturing requires careful consideration and professional medical advice. Do not attempt to remove the fragments on your own; instead, consult your healthcare provider for an appropriate evaluation and treatment plan. Healing may take time, and the appearance and growth of the nail may be affected by the injury, but with proper care, you can work towards a full recovery.

Similar Q&A

Dealing with Residual Stitches After Finger Fracture Surgery

While at work, I accidentally dropped something and instinctively reached out to catch it, resulting in a fracture of the proximal phalanx of my left ring finger. After visiting the hospital, I received sutures. However, during the suture removal, it seemed that not all of the su...

Dr. Peng Xianwen reply Surgery
Hello Mr. Chiu: The substance on your nail may be blood, so it would be best to have a surgeon examine it on-site. Director Peng Hsien-Wen of the General Surgery Department at Nantou Hospital.

How to Care for a Partially Detached Nail After Injury: Tips for Recovery

If the side of your nail has been injured and one-third of it has detached from the nail bed, while the root area also shows some detachment but two-thirds of the nail remains attached and unaffected, here are some care and recovery recommendations: 1. Keep the Area Clean and ...

Dr. Xu Kaixi reply Surgery
You need to visit the surgical outpatient clinic in person to have your injured nail examined to determine if it needs to be removed.

Dealing with Nail Bed Issues: What to Do After Self-Treatment for Paronychia

Hello, doctor. I have been suffering from paronychia for many years. During my student years, I underwent nail bed surgery, but it recurred after three years. After the surgery, I had to wear sandals for two weeks each time. Now that I have to go to work, I really cannot undergo ...

Dr. Huang Zhihui reply Surgery
The nail and the epidermal layer of the skin are quite similar in structure, and they can sometimes adhere tightly. Therefore, when you pull off part of the nail, it is inevitable that some of the epidermal tissue near the nail groove may also be pulled away. As long as there is ...

Post-Surgery Concerns: What to Do About Remaining Stitches?

Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about an injury I sustained due to work. My left thumb was struck by a metal plate, resulting in a fracture of the nail area. I was injured on December 23, 2023, and had my stitches removed on January 12, 2024. It wasn't until the scab fell...

Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! You can come to the outpatient clinic for the removal. Take care! Changhua Hospital cares about you!