A Study of Nail-splinting Technique with Flexible Plastic Tube in Ingrown Nail

Kim, Young Jo; Lee, Myung Ki; Chung, Byoung Soo

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Ingrown nail is a common disorder that occurs most frequently in the great toe and gives affected patients a great discomfort. Many treatments hae been described, such as nail extraction, partial matrix phenolization and wedge excision. However, these treatments modality may lead to damage of the nail and nail fold or to frequent relapses.
OBJECTIVE
We attempted to determine the effectiveness of nail-splinting technique with flexible plastic tube in ingrown nails.
METHODS
Twenty-nine consecutive patients were treated and enrolled in this study. Without local anesthesia, the lateral edge of the nail plate including the spicule is splinted with a lengthwise -incised small flexible plastic tube, for example, plastic drainage portion of scalp vein set. The plastic tube retained for 2 weeks without any medication.
RESULTS
Among the 29 patients, 24 patients were treated successfully without recurrence. After splinting, the patients experienced relief of pain immediately or 1~2 days later, therefore patients are able to lead ordinary lives more qvldrly.
CONCLUSION
Nail-splinting technique with flexible plastic tube in ingrown nails is an effective treatment with relatively low recurrence rate. This method demands little skill and carried out in general practice. It gives an excellent cosmetic result with immediate pain relief, thus fulfilling the main requirements for the primary treatment of choice.