Pincer Nails: a New Surgical Treatment

Abstract

Pincer nails are a kind of nail deformity characterized by a transverse overcurvature of the nail that increases along the longitudinal axis. Alteration of the shape of the underlying distal phalanx due to osteophyte formation at the apex may be a cause of pincer nails. This causes widening of the proximal matrix and as a result secondary torque in the distal nail plate leading to the typical appearance. Apart from conservative treatment, several surgical techniques have been proposed in the past. This article presents a new surgical approach in the treatment of recalcitrant pincer nails which has several distinct advantages over other methods. Long-term results in six patients are presented.