A New Surgical Technique for the Correction of Pincer-Nail Deformity: Combination of Splint and Nail Bed Cutting

BACKGROUND Pincer nail is a kind of nail deformity characterized by a transverse overcurvature of the nail that increases along the longitudinal axis. Many conservative and surgical treatment modalities have been reported. PURPOSE Widening the nail bed and use of aspiration tube splint in pincer nail surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pincer nail was treated by surgery with splinting in 11 patients. In this procedure, the nail bed is enlarged in a transverse direction using incisions on the nail bed. RESULTS The postoperative follow-up ranged from 12 to 19 months (mean 15 months). Excellent results were obtained in all patients. No further complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS The splint can prevent contracture of the nail matrix and nail bed. Widening and flattening the nail bed using an aspiration tube splint provided a longstanding effective treatment of pincer nail deformity and pain relief. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.