Subungual foreign bodies should be removed to prevent the complications of infection, foreign body reaction, and possible nail deformity. Deeply embedded foreign bodies, splintered foreign bodies, those that traverse the nail plate, or contaminated foreign bodies may require the removal of the nail plate to extract the foreign body. Refer to Chapter 104 regarding the details of removing the nail plate. Consult a Hand Surgeon if the foreign body cannot be removed, if the site is infected, if the foreign body is “chronic” and an osteomyelitis is present on radiographs, or if significant injury to the digit is present.