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Morphologic study of normal, ingrown, and pincer nails
Masaaki Kosaka1, Hirohisa Kusuhara, Yuichi Mochizuki
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kinki University School of Medicine, Osakasayama City, Osaka, Japan. kosaka@kouhoukai.or.jp
Summary
Pincer nails, often mistaken for ingrown nails, show consistent circumferential length regardless of overcurvature. Distal phalangeal osteophytes may result from, not cause, pincer nail deformity.
Area of Science:
- Podiatry
- Dermatology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Pincer nail deformity is frequently misdiagnosed as ingrown nail.
- Understanding the distinct characteristics of pincer nail is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure the circumferential length of pincer nails.
- To investigate the relationship between pincer nail deformity and the shape of the distal phalanx.
Main Methods:
- Circumferential length of 53 pincer nails measured at 5-mm intervals.
- Assessment of 60 great toes (normal, ingrown, pincer) for anthropometric and nail parameters.
- Measurement of nail angle and osteophyte height.
Main Results:
- Circumferential nail length remained consistent from proximal to distal, irrespective of overcurvature.
- A significant correlation was found between width and height indices in pincer nails.
- Osteophytes were present in 50%, 80%, and 100% of normal, ingrown, and pincer nails, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Overcurved nails, potentially due to nail bed contraction, may be mechanically driven.
- Distal phalangeal osteophytes might be a consequence, not a cause, of pincer nail deformity.
