Pincer nail deformity or PND is a common toenail disorder characterized by thickening and over-curvature of the nail plate, resulting in the nail edges descending into the lateral nail folds. This causes cosmetic issues and can impair mobility and quality of life due to pain, inflammation, and recurrent infections. Laser surgeries have been used to treat PND. They may offer benefits such as shorter procedure time, less bleeding, lower risk of secondary infection, and decreased downtime with minimal postoperative morbidity.
According to a recent study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, a team of researchers from the Laser Unit, Division of Dermatology, Rabin Medical Center, and Petach Tikva have described the role of laser in managing PND. The study found Partial CO2 laser matricectomy to be safe and efficacious for treating PND.
Both conservative and surgical options have limited efficacy, high recurrence rates, and poor cosmetic outcomes. The study evaluated safety and effectiveness of CO2 laser matricectomy's for PND treatment. A retrospective search of a tertiary medical centre's laser unit database was conducted for patients diagnosed with PND from 2016-2022. Clinical and follow-up data were collected from medical files.
Key findings from the study are:
There were 19 patients, five males and 14 females.
These patients underwent 25 partial matricectomies during the study period.
Few patients had more than one diseased nail.
All procedures were successful, with no intraoperative or postoperative complications.
Following seven months of treatment, one case of recurrence was documented. This case was managed with additional laser treatment, and no further recurrence was reported.
In conclusion, they said partial CO2 laser matricectomy is safe and effective for treating PND. The procedure has advantages, including minimal adverse effects and low recurrence rates.
Reference:
JDDonline - Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. (2023, October 25). CO2 laser matricectomy for the treatment of pincer nail deformity: A Retrospective cohort study - JDDOnline - Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. https://jddonline.com/articles/co2-laser-matricectomy-for-the-treatment-of-pincer-nail-deformity-a-retrospective-cohort-study-S1545961623P1099X/