Fingertip nail bed injuries in children: Comparison of suture repair versus glue (2-octylcyanoacrylate) with 1-year follow-up.

Abstract The main objective of this study was to compare the medium-term results of nail bed repair in children using glue (2-octylcyanoacrylate) versus absorbable sutures. The secondary objective was to compare the results of treatment in the emergency room versus the operating room. This retrospective review of 74 fingertip nail bed lacerations (68 children) evaluated the appearance and pain at the last follow-up visit (minimum of 1 year), and the operating time. Mean age was 3.3 years at time of injury (range 10 months–13 years), with a mean follow-up of 2.6 (1–7) years. Thirty-six nail beds were repaired with glue; 38 were sutured. The clinical outcomes in the two groups were similar. The rate of nail dystrophy was 14% (5% major) regardless of the technique. Nail bed repair time was significantly shorter in the glue group (10.2 vs. 20.3 min, p