In many cases surgery is performed to repair the underlying nail bed tear. Over 10,000 operations are performed in the UK alone each year. Two treatment options are available during surgery.

From what sports medicine doctor Pat Kersey saw of IU QB Kurtis Rourke's injury, it should take 7-10 days to return to normal function in his hand.

The repair is a type of surgery that anyone, athlete or not, would need if they tore off their nail bed, Kersey added, to make sure to prevent infection and reduce sensitivity.