Korean J Dermatol.  2009 May;47(5):509-515.

A Clinical Study of Efficacy of Surgical Management for Pincer Nails

• Moon HS
• Son SJ
• Park K
• Park HJ

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A pincer nail deformity is characterized by the presence of an excessively curved and distorted nail across the transverse dimension, particularly at the distal part of the nail plate. A multitude of therapeutic modalities has been implemented to treat this condition with limited efficacy.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to evaluate the efficacy of surgery of a pincer nail deformity with the use of the modified Haneke's method.
METHODS
Six patients (seven toenails and two fingernails) with pincer nail deformities were treated with the modified Haneke's method. Objective assessment was evaluated by use of the width index (width of the nail tip/width of the nail root) and height index (height of the nail tip/width of the nail root). Subjective assessment was evaluated by use of a visual analogue scale declared by patients. In addition, wound complications and recurrence were described.
RESULTS
The width index and height index were improved (width index: 15.4%-->7.1%, height index: 63.9%-->1.9%). Relief of pain could be determined in 100% of the cases. For subjective assessment, all of the patients were satisfactory (more than "satisfactory": 100%). There was no recurrence during a 14 to 24 month period (mean time: 19.2 months).
CONCLUSION
The modified Haneke's method as a surgical approach might be effective and the procedure is easy to perform for a pincer nail deformity.

Keyword

Modified Haneke's method; Pincer nail; Surgery

MeSH Terms

Congenital Abnormalities
Humans
Nails
Recurrence