A new surgical technique for the correction of pincer nail deformity

BACKGROUND: Pincer nail is a rare deformity characterized by transverse overcurvature of the nail that increases distally. Many conservative and surgical treatment modalities have been recommended, but there is not a worldwide accepted technique for long lasting treatment of this deformity yet. PURPOSE: A new surgical technique for the treatment of pincer nail deformity is described. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In this procedure, after the osteophyte located on the dorsal surface of the distal phalanx is removed to provide a flat surface for the nail bed, the distal part of the nail bed is enlarged in a transverse direction by using a modified 5-flap z-plasty technique. Over 2 years, this technique has been performed on 15 toes in 8 patients. RESULTS: In all patients, the deformity was eliminated successfully with no recurrence in 2 years of follow up. The growing nail turned back into its natural form and all clinical signs and symptoms of the pincer nail deformity were relieved. CONCLUSIONS: Widening and flattening the nail bed provide a longlasting effective treatment of the pincer nail deformity with an excellent esthetic result. Pain and episodes of infection is relieved perfectly with this new technique.     

Pincer Nails: a New Surgical Treatment

BACKGROUND: 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. METHODS: This article presents a new surgical approach in the treatment of recalcitrant pincer nails which has several distinct advantages over other methods. RESULTS: Long-term results in six patients are presented.     

Acquired pincer nail deformity associated with renal failure

Pincer nail deformity represents a loss in the normal convex shape of the nail and has been reported in association with various diseases and medications. The authors report a man with end-stage renal disease due to bladder carcinoma who developed pincer nail deformity while on hemodialysis. Previous case reports cite diabetes as a suspected cause of pincer nail development in patients with renal failure. However, the patient described in this case was not diabetic and his nail dystrophy is likely related to arteriovenous fistula placement.     

Correction of pincer nail deformity with phenol

From 2006 to 2009 we treated nine cases (11 toes) with pincer nail deformity of the first toe, using phenol. There were 8 women and 1 man, age range 9-81 years (mean 51). They were followed up for 7-17 months (mean 12) and all reported improvement of the pincer nail deformity and disappearance of pain from the first toes. Only one woman complained of a recurrent pincer nail deformity eight months after the first treatment, and the procedure was repeated. The mechanism of improvement is contraction of the phenolised wound away from the lateral nail fold, which gradually stretches and flattens the nail bed. We conclude that this technique is a simple and effective treatment for pincer nail deformity.     

A Splint for Pincer Nail Surgery: A Convenient Splinting Device Made of an Aspiration Tube

Background To treat pincer nail, both conservative therapy and surgical therapy have been reported. However, there is no consensus about the best method of treatment.
Objective The use of a splint prepared from an aspiration tube after pincer nail surgery is introduced.
Methods Pincer nail was treated by surgery with splinting in seven patients (nine toes).
Results Nine toes from seven patients were evaluated. The postoperative follow-up period ranged from 6 to 37 months (mean 17.7 months). An excellent result was obtained in eight toes, but ingrowth of the nail occurred in one toe. The cosmetic improvement was marked and satisfactory.
Conclusion This splint is cheap and easy to make, can prevent contracture of the nail matrix and nail bed, can reduce pain, and allows direct observation of the nail bed because it is transparent. Thus, this technique seems to be convenient and useful.
TOSHIYUKI OZAWA, MD, TETSUJI YABE, MD, NATSUKO OHASHI, MD, TERUICHI HARADA, MD, MICHINARI MURAOKA, MD, AND MASAMITSU ISHII, MD, HAVE INDICATED NO SIGNIFICANT INTEREST WITH COMMERCIAL SUPPORTERS.     

A New Surgical Therapeutic Approach to Pincer Nail Deformity

BACKGROUND: Pincer nail deformity (PND) is an important health problem that causes discomfort in daily life. Until now, some surgical and conservative treatment modalities were applied with success. However, there is still no consensus on the common and accepted form of treatment. OBJECTIVE: To present a new surgical therapeutic approach to PND. METHODS: Ten patients, four with bilateral and six with unilateral PND, were treated with a new surgical technique which is a combination of chemical matricectomy with phenol and nail bed repair. RESULTS: No recurrence was observed in any of the patients after 12-16 months follow-up. No serious complication was encountered. The cosmetic improvement was also marked and satisfactory. CONCLUSION: This new surgical approach was found to be effective and is presented as an alternative treatment modality for PND.     

A Surgical Approach to Ingrown Nail: Partial Matricectomy Using CO2 Laser

BACKGROUND: Ingrown nail is a deformity characterized by a transverse overcurvature of the lateral nail plate that causes nail fold inflammation. Currently recommended surgical procedures vary considerably. OBJECTIVE: We report our experience with a modified partial matricectomy and nail edge excision with CO2 laser. METHODS: A total of 116 ingrown nail edges in 77 patients were treated with the procedure. RESULTS: The incidence of recurrence was 2 of 76 cases (2.6%). CONCLUSION: This new surgical approach was found to be effective and is presented as an alternative treatment technique.     

Successful Carbon Dioxide Laser Therapy for Refractory Anogenital Lichen Sclerosus

BACKGROUND: Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory dermatitis that often occurs in the anogenital area and presents a therapeutic challenge. Traditional medical management includes potent topical corticosteroids and is marked by variable results. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to describe the successful use of carbon dioxide laser ablation therapy in two women with refractory anogenital lichen sclerosus. METHODS: A case is reported and the literature is reviewed. RESULTS: Two women with medically recalcitrant anogenital lichen sclerosus were successfully treated with the carbon dioxide laser. Both patients tolerated the procedure well and had excellent surgical outcomes. CONCLUSION: Lichen sclerosus recalcitrant to medical therapy presents a therapeutic challenge This may be successfully treated with the carbon dioxide laser with excellent surgical results and minimal risk.     

Treatment of severe deformities of the toenails by the modified Zadik method with artificial skin.

A number of operations have been devised to treat ingrowing toenails and pincer nails, and they have given good aesthetic and functional results. However, there have been few reports of operations for the treatment of severe nail deformities caused by damage to the matrix of the nail by injury, or by inappropriate removal of the nail or intractable onychomycosis or cardiovascular or neurological disorders. In 1950, Zadik reported a radical technique for ingrown nails and pincer nails: after avulsion of the nail, the matrix was excised completely and the posterior nail wall was sutured to the nail bed as an advancement flap. We have treated 23 severe deformities other than ingrown nails and pincer nails in 14 patients by the modified Zadik method with artificial skin. As a result, symptoms including pain were alleviated in all patients. The nail plate did not regenerate, and no patient had aesthetic complaints.     

Prevalence of pincer,cam, and combined deformities in Japanese hip joints evaluated with the Japanese Hip Society diagnostic guideline for femoroacetabular impingement: A CT-based study

Background

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is thought to be associated with hip osteoarthritis. We investigated the prevalences of radiologic deformities of the pincer, cam, and their combinations in Japanese hip joints using computed tomography (CT) according to the Japanese Hip Society diagnostic guideline for FAI.

Treatment of Recurrent Ingrown Great Toenail Associated with Granulation Tissue by Partial Nail Avulsion Followed by Matricectomy with Sharpulse Carbon Dioxide Laser

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of partial nail avulsion followed by matricectomy with carbon dioxide (CO2) laser for the treatment of ingrown great toenails remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to determine the effectiveness of partial nail avulsion followed by matricectomy with sharpulse CO2 laser in the treatment of recurrent ingrown great toenails associated with granulation tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients with a total of 18 recurrent ingrown great toenails were randomly selected for participation in this study. Partial nail avulsions followed by matricectomy with sharpulse CO2 laser were performed on the involved nails. After at least 6 months, we evaluated the recurrence of ingrown toenails, regrowth of the nail spike, duration of post-treatment pain and post-treatment infection. RESULTS: Partial nail avulsion followed by matricectomy with sharpulse CO2 laser in the treatment of ingrown toenails resulted in a high cure rate, short postoperative pain duration and low risk of postoperative infection. CONCLUSION: This method we advocate is convenient and effective for the treatment of recurrent ingrown great toenail associated with granulation tissue.     

Lower Lip Hypertrophy Secondary to Port-Wine Stain: Combined Surgical and Carbon Dioxide Laser Treatment

Background. Port-wine stains (PWSs) are capillary malformations that usually show progressive stasis of the vascular channels and cause slow hyperplasia of the soft and hard tissues. When these lesions involve the lower lip, macrocheilia may be developed along the time. Vascular-specific lasers are not adequate to correct these three-dimensional tissue deformities, and surgical management becomes necessary, resulting in considerable morbidity and aesthetic disturbances.
Objective. To report a case of macrocheilia secondary to PWS treated by combination of surgery and carbon dioxide laser.
Methods. A 51-year-old man with macrocheilia of the lower lip and severe functional impairment, secondary to long evolution PWS, received treatment with carbon dioxide laser vaporization and minimal surgical correction, resulting in significant improvement of the lower lip hypertrophy, good aesthetic and functional status, and preservation of the muscular function.
Conclusions. Combined carbon dioxide laser and surgery treatment may constitute a valuable alternative in treatment of macrocheilia secondary to PWS because bleeding risk is minimized and improves the preservation of muscular function and aesthetic results in relationship to conventional surgical approaches.     

Subungual glomus tumors of the hand: Treated by transungual excision

Background:Glomus tumors are benign hamartomas arising from the glomus body, mostly occurring in the subungual region of the digits. A triad of excruciating pain, localized tenderness and cold sensitivity is the key to diagnosing these tumors. Two surgical approaches are described in the literature for excision of subungual glomus tumors-transungual and periungual. We reviewed retrospectively the results of subungual glomus tumors of the hand treated by transungual excision.Results:All patients had complete pain relief. There was no new nail deformity and no recurrence till last followup. One patient had deformity of the nail preoperatively due to previous surgery, which persisted after excision of the tumor. All of them returned to their preoperative occupation and regained full function of the hand.Conclusions:The transungual approach provides good access to the entire lesion and facilitates complete excision. Contrary to reported literature, we did not find the development of any new nail deformity with this approach.     

ANAESTHETIC MANAGEMENT OF A 2-MONTH-OLD INFANT FOR LASER RESECTION OF VOCAL CORD GRANULOMA

A 2-month-old infant underwent excision of granulomata of vocalcords with a carbon dioxide laser. High frequency jet ventilationwas given through a surgical metal suction tube during the operation.The anaesthetic technique for the infant and the problems ofthe use of carbon dioxide laser in laryngeal surgery are discussed.     

Treatment of nasal ala nodular congenital melanocytic naevus with carbon dioxide laser and Q-switched Nd:YAG laser

Total excision of congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) is not always feasible. We here present our experience of using carbon dioxide laser and Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser to treat nodular CMN of the nasal ala. Q-switched Nd:YAG laser and/or carbon dioxide laser were used to treat eight cases of nasal ala nodular CMN. Carbon dioxide laser was utilized to ablate all visible melanocytic tissue within one session. Ablation was performed so as to reproduce the original anatomical contours as closely as possible. Recurrences were treated in the same way. Q-switched Nd:YAG laser was also used to irradiate all target lesions to achieve the desired end point within one session. The intervals between treatments were at least 8 weeks. Recurrence of melanocytic tissue, scar formation, pigmentation, depigmentation, and the degree of patient satisfaction were recorded at every visit. Two of the eight patients were treated with Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Although, the lesion lightened in one of them, the hyperplastic tissue persisted. Eventually, these two patients, along with the remaining six patients, were successfully treated with a carbon dioxide laser. We recommend carbon dioxide laser treatment for nodular nasal CMN. This simple treatment does not involve skin flap transplantation and has good cosmetic outcomes. Although Q-switched Nd:YAG laser does lighten some nasal nodular CMNs, it does not eradicate the hyperplastic tissue, and is therefore not an effective treatment for nodular nasal CMN.     

Surgical treatment of ranula with carbon dioxide laser radiation

Ranula is a mucous extravasation cyst which appears as a swelling in the submental and submandibular regions. Several surgical techniques to manage ranula have been described in the literature, these techniques include the CO₂ laser radiation excision. Four patients were treated for intraoral ranula in the floor of the mouth by marsupialization with carbon dioxide laser radiation with defocused beam, continuous mode and 4 watts of power. There were no complications and no recurrences have occurred to date. The results showed that carbon dioxide laser radiation gives optimal results with no need for suture and good wound healing.     

Partial Matricectomy with a CO2 Laser for Ingrown Toenail after Nail Matrix Staining

BACKGROUND: Ingrown toenail is a common nail disease that causes pain, discomfort, and difficulty in walking. It is treated with either conservative therapy or surgery. OBJECTIVE: To present a new surgical approach to ingrown toenail. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For 19 ingrown toenail borders of 14 toes in 14 patients (1 male and 13 females), the nail matrix was stained with methylene blue and then partial matricectomy was performed with a CO2 laser. RESULTS: There was no recurrence at 18 nail borders after a mean follow-up period of 13.4 months, whereas a spike grew at one border but caused no walking pain. No serious complications occurred. Cosmetic improvement was also satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: Partial nail matricectomy with a CO2 laser after staining the nail matrix with methylene blue allows visual confirmation of the completeness of cauterization.     

Pincer Nails: Definition and Surgical Treatment

BACKGROUND: There are four main types of ingrown nail. These are distal nail embedding, juvenile (subcutaneous) ingrown nail, hypertrophy of the lateral nail fold (lip), and pincer nail. OBJECTIVE: The etiology of pincer nail may be hereditary or acquired. The mechanism of the most common form, an enlarged base of the distal bony phalanx, is discussed. METHODS: Use of roentgenogram and magnetic resonance imaging highlights exophytes of the base and dorsal hyperostosis of the distal phalanx. RESULTS: Global assessment may lead in mild cases to medical therapy. Usually, however, the lateral matrix horn must be surgically removed or cauterized by phenol. Dermal grafting under the nail matrix provides excellent long-term results.     

Realignment of tibial deformity in Paget's disease. A case report

Paget's disease of bone is a relatively common condition which usually is asymptomatic. Furthermore, there is limited experience in surgical procedures, especially in realignment of severe skeletal deformities. Likewise, there are often relapses in tibial deformities treated with plates. We report a case of a severe tibial deformity treated with multiple osteotomies and stabilized with an unreamed medullary nail.     

Experimental comparison of laser and cryosurgical cilia destruction.

We compared cryosurgery with the argon and carbon dioxide lasers in a rabbit model to evaluate the permanence of eyelash destruction as well as the gross and histologic effects on the eyelid. Each modality was equally effective in preventing eyelash regrowth. Cryosurgery and the carbon dioxide laser produced the greatest acute soft tissue swelling; the carbon dioxide laser produced the most pronounced gross eyelid alterations. The argon laser produced minimal eyelid tissue change. Long-term histologic tissue alterations were not striking and were confined to eyelids treated with cryosurgery and the carbon dioxide laser. We conclude that, of the two lasers, the argon is the best suited to the clinical treatment of trichiasis: it is widely available, more precise in limiting contiguous tissue destruction when delivered through a slit lamp, and is safer for use near the eye.