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.