[Claw nails. Apropos of 16 cases treated by nail recession flap]

16 patients (75% women) were operated for a claw nail involving one of the three middle fingers. In 14 cases out of 16, a traumatic amputation, treated by directed healing in 60% of cases, was responsible for the deformity. The average loss of bone substance was 49% (range: 0-90%). The average shortening was 5 mm. The loss of substance was repaired by a local flap in 14 cases. Two early recurrences led to one failure and one good result after a second recession flap. One case of arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint and one case of septic necrosis of the nail bed were also observed. Eleven subjects were reviewed with a mean follow-up of 4 years (1-7 years). The range of movement of the distal interphalangeal joint was always normal. The pinch force and the growth of the nail were normal in 75% of cases. The finger was cumbersome in one half of cases and 60% of patients complained of pain. Recurrences were observed in 50% of cases and the patients were disappointed in 64% of cases. This is a minor operation in terms of vascular elements, but it is associated with a high rate of recurrence and leaves a short finger. Its indications should be limited to losses of bone substance less than 50%.