Nailbed Repair using 2-octyl Cyanoacrylate (Dermabond(R))

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Nailbed repair using fine 6-0 or 7-0 absorbable sutures can be technically demanding and time-consuming. We describe a simpler method of nailbed repair using 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (Dermabond(R)) topical adhesive. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen consecutive patients with nailbed injuries not involving the germinal matrix were repaired with Dermabond(R). There were 7 simple lacerations, 4 stellate lacerations and 4 severe crush injury according to Zook's classification. The appearance of the nail at twelve months was graded according to ridging, splitting, deformity, and sheen of the nail. RESULTS: Nailbed repairs using Dermabond(R) took on average 3.2 minutes to complete. Six patients had excellent aesthetic results, Eight had good results, and one patient with a crush injury had a fair result. There were no complications. CONCLUSION: Dermabond(R) is a useful tool for rapidly repairing acute nailbed injuries. The outcome of repairing injuries not involving the germinal matrix is similar to that expected for suture repairs of similar injuries.