Beau's lines are transverse depressions of the nail plates. They are u
sually bilateral and result from a temporary cessation in the growth o
f the nail plate during severe systemic illnesses. Although transverse
grooves can occur on the nails of one extremity, this has not been a
commonly reported phenomenon. An unusual case of unilateral Beau's lin
e associated with a metaphyseal fracture of the distal radius extendin
g into the growth plate with wrist immobilization is presented. Other
related causes of Beau's line are reviewed.