Soft Tissue Case 6 History/Physical Exam

It is essential that the patient’s actually have suffered digital trauma before the diagnosis of subungual hematoma is considered because the classic appearance can be mimicked by other dangerous pathology such as Kaposi sarcoma or melanoma. The physical exam should include an assessment of the size of the hematoma, paronychial extension of hematoma, tendon function, sensation, and capillary refill. Assess the surrounding skin and soft tissue for traumatic injury. Consider fracture from the crushing mechanism