Digital Tip Amputations from the Perspective of the Nail

Table 1

Classification system for amputation injuries.

Type of injury	Amputation	Treatment	Cosmetic outcome	Secondary surgery
I	Distal 1/2 of nail	Conservative	Excellent	None
II	Proximal 1/2 of nail	Conservative	Hook nail	Likely
III	Through germinal matrix	Conservative	Hook nail or nail remnants or absence of nail	Very likely
IV	Proximal to germinal matrix	Replantation or primary closure	Excellent with replantation	Not likely
V	>45° oblique	Replantation or primary closure	Variable	Not likely