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Fingertip Amputations

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Fingertip Amputations Anatomy

To better understand fingertip amputations, it helps to understand the anatomy of the fingernail and fingertip.

Fingernail Anatomy

Nail plate:

This is another name for the fingernail

Matrix:

This is the portion of the nail that produces the nail plate. Cells in the matrix eventually form the nail plate

Lunula:

The white "half moon shaped" area at the base of the nail. The matrix extends down to the edge of the lunula

Hyponychium:

The hyponychium is the junction of the nail bed and the fingertip skin, beneath the distal free margin of the nail plate

Nail bed:

The nail bed extends from the lunula to the hyponychium. As additional cells are produced by the matrix, the nail plate progresses (grows) distally on the surface of the nail bed. The nail bed acts as a guiding surface for the advancing nail plate.

Eponychium:

The thin skin adherent to the nail at its base

Perionychium or nail groove:

The lateral skin fold; the nail grows distally because it is guided by this fold of skin. Infection or injury to the area can result in a deformed or ingrown nail.

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Last Updated: Nov 3, 2008 References

Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD

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