Avulsion and partial matricectomy with the carbon dioxide laser for pincer nail deformity

Pincer Nail Deformity: Clinical Characteristics, Causes, and Managements

A pincer nail is a common nail deformity of toenails and is characterized by nail thickening and nail plate deformation. It often causes severe pain for patients. We perform a thorough literature review and an additional review of pertinent clinical cases, aiming to provide a comprehensive review of the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical classification, differential diagnosis, and treatment of pincer nail deformity (PND). Understanding the clinical characteristics and treatment progress of a pincer nail will provide clinicians with comprehensive and evidence-based information about PND, thus allowing the selection of an appropriate treatment according to the patient's request and the clinical manifestations of PND, which should maximize patient satisfaction.

To Study the Outcome of Three-Flap Technique in the Management of Pincer Nail

CONTEXT

Pincer nail deformity is a transverse overcurvature of the nail. Though various conservative and surgical techniques have been described in the literature, very few studies are based on objective measurements. This study was undertaken to evaluate the outcome of three-flap technique in the management of pincer nail.

AIM

To study the outcome of three-flap technique in the management of pincer nail.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

Prospective interventional study.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Fifteen patients with pincer nail deformity, fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled for the study. Routine X-ray was carried out for all patients to detect underlying bony abnormalities such as exostoses. Width and height indices were calculated before the procedure. A three-flap technique was performed on all affected toe nails and outcome was assessed at the end of 6 months and 1 year.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

Paired t-test and P value.

RESULTS

Satisfactory cosmetic outcome and statistically significant improvement (P < 0.0001) were achieved in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Three flap technique is an useful technique in the management of pincer nail.

A clinical study of 35 cases of pincer nails

BACKGROUND

Pincer nail is a nail deformity characterized by transverse overcurvature of the nail plate. Pincer nail can affect a patient's quality of life due to its chronic, recurrent course; however, there have been no clinical studies on the pincer nail condition in Korean patients.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to characterize the clinical findings and treatment of pincer nail. In addition, possible etiological factors were considered, and treatment efficacy was evaluated.

METHODS

The medical records and clinical photographs of 35 patients (12 males, 23 females) who were diagnosed with pincer nail between August 1, 2005 and July 31, 2009 were studied.

RESULTS

Patient age ranged from 10 to 77 (52.09±17.26) years, and there was a predominance of female (23 out of 35 patients, F:M=2:1). The mean duration of the disorder was 7.45 years (range 0.25~40); 85% had pincer nail for at least 1 year. In addition, 40% had a history of previous treatment and recurrence. There were 82.8% patients with the common type of pincer nails. The most commonly involved nails were both great toenails. Among 35 patients, nail grinding was started in 30 patients, and 25 patients showed clinical improvement with nail grinding. The width index increased and the height index decreased after treatment. The mean follow up period was 8.42 months (range 1~27), and 7 patients showed recurrence after 8.8 months (range 2~20). Among 35 patients, 5 patients were treated with nail extraction with matricectomy, and the symptoms resolved immediately. The mean follow up period was 7.6 months (range 0~19), and recurrence was not observed. Onychomycosis was also present in 37.1% of patients, and itraconazole pulse therapy for 3 months was added.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study demonstrate the clinical features of pincer nail in Korean patients. The findings show that the common type of pincer nail was most common, and nail grinding as a conservative treatment greatly improved pincer nails despite a risk of recurrence. When onychomycosis was also present, oral antifungal therapy added to nail grinding resulted in a more rapid change in nail thickness and clinical improvement.