Preliminary studies of the use of nail as a material for reconstructive or cosmetic surgery

The purpose of this study was to assess the biocompatibility and stability of implanted nail as a preliminary step in the assessment of its potential as a material for small scale reconstructive or cosmetic surgery. Rat nails were placed subcutaneously in the back of 12 Lewis rats, which were then sacrificed in groups of 4 at 4, 8, and 12 months for macroscopic and microscopic examination of the implants. A layer of strongly adherent connective tissue, containing inflammatory cells, had formed around the nails at 4 months, but by 8 to 12 months this reaction had subsided, leaving the nails imbedded in connective tissue adhering to the dermal wall, with no evidence of implant rejection, granuloma formation, or degradation. The results suggest that nail merits further study as a surgical implant material, because of its staying power and lack of immunogenicity.