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RACS ASC 2024

Who 'nailed' the first nailbed?

Poster

Poster

Disciplines

Surgical History

Presentation Description

Institution: Northern Health - VIC, Australia

The history of nailbed repair, addressing injuries to the delicate tissues beneath the fingernails or toenails, is a relatively recent development in the realm of surgical techniques, coinciding with the evolution of microsurgical techniques. One of the pivotal figures in the development of nailbed repair techniques was Dr. Harry J. Buncke, a plastic surgeon known for his pioneering work in microsurgery. In the 1960s and 1970s, Buncke's groundbreaking research and contributions to microvascular surgery laid the foundation for intricate repairs of hand injuries, including those involving the nailbed. Buncke's work with microsurgery techniques significantly improved the ability to repair small structures within the hand, including nerves, blood vessels, and intricate tissues like the nailbed. His contributions to microsurgery revolutionized the field of hand surgery, enabling surgeons to perform delicate and precise repairs of complex hand injuries, including those affecting the nailbed. Contemporary nailbed repair involves meticulous realignment and repair of the nailbed tissues using microsurgical techniques, ensuring proper healing, minimizing scarring, and facilitating the regrowth of the nail. The goal is to restore not only the aesthetic appearance of the nail but also its function, preserving its role in protecting the fingertip and aiding in sensation. The history of nailbed repair highlights the evolution of microsurgical techniques and the continuous efforts of surgeons to refine approaches aimed at restoring function and aesthetics in hand injuries, particularly those affecting the delicate nailbed structures.

Speakers