Pincer nails: Definition and surgical treatment

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