Ectopic Nail

The left middle finger of this 30-year-old man was lacerated in a motorcycle accident. After it was surgically repaired, the finger developed some dystrophy as well as a small, separate fingernail in the lateral sulcus of the proximal nail fold. Apparently, the nail matrix had not been properly aligned in the repair. This ectopic nail was permanently removed, and the matrix was destroyed with phenol. There was no nerve damage, and the finger was restored functionally. The cosmetic result was quite satisfactory.