The â€œAntennaâ€ Procedure for the â€œHook-nailâ€ Deformity: A report of 2 cases

Chung, Yung Khee; Park, Myung Ryool; Yoo, Jung Han; Song, Baek Yong; Lee, Eung Cheon

Abstract

The hook-nail deformity after finger tip amputation is very common problem. This usually occurs after loss of part of the distal pulp, phalanx, and nail bed. This deformity for some patients is a trivial lesion and may be ignored, but it may be of great cosmetic significance or disabling with regard to certain occupations to the others. To correct the deformity, it is necessary to release volarly displaced nailbed, return it to its normal position, and provide adequate support to maintain correction by a carefully planned "antenna" procedure. Deformed nail is removed, tethered pulp is freed from distal phalanx, and then full thickness of the nail bed is elevated and splinted with multiple small Kirschner wires in a straight position like antennae. The coverage of defect created is done by cross finger flap. The knowledge of anatomy and physiology of nail and sorrunding structures is important to obtain good results and reduce secondary deformities. Two cases of antenna procedures for the hook nail deformily is reported with good results.