Distal replantation, nail bed, and nail problems in musicians.

Abstract

Nails enhance pulp sensibility, increase pulp stability and are necessary for fine prehension. A finger without a nail will compromise a musician's career if the finger involved is necessary to play a note (strings, keyboards) or hold a position (winds). Salvage of the nail is then a very important part of any surgical procedure in musicians with distal finger trauma. Surgical techniques will depend on the level and type of nail injury. Replantation is by far the best technique in distal finger amputation but, when not feasible, reposition-flap repair may be used. In isolated nail lesions, sutures, split-thickness nail bed graft, or nail matrix flaps are used according to the level and severity of the lesion.