Nail Plate and Bed Reconstruction for Pincer Nail Deformity.

Pincer nail deformity is a severe condition in which the nail bed becomes compressed and the nail shows an overcurvature. We retrospectively analyzed 13 pincer nail deformities treated using our nail plate and bed reconstruction technique. Visual analogue scale scores, the width of nail root, width of nail tip, height of nail tip, width index, and height index were assessed before and after surgery. The overcurvature was corrected after detachment of the nail plate. The nail fold was pushed underneath the nail plate and then fixed. The width of nail tip significantly increased after surgery (p < 0.05) and was maintained during follow-up. The height of nail tip decreased after surgery (p < 0.05). This nail plate and bed reconstruction technique is a simple and quick surgical method for correcting deformities and reduces risks of complications such as skin necrosis and infection compared to other existing surgical techniques. We recommend this efficient surgical technique for the treatment of pincer nails.

Effect of Weight-Bearing in Conservative and Operative Management of Fractures of the Base of the Fifth Metatarsal Bone.

BACKGROUND: There is no established principle regarding weight-bearing in conservative and operative management of fifth metatarsal base fractures. METHODS: We reviewed 86 patients with acute fifth metatarsal base fractures. Conservatively treated late or early weight-bearing patients were assigned to Group A or C, respectively. Operatively treated late or early weight-bearing patients were assigned to Group B or D, respectively. Results were evaluated by clinical union, bone resorption, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores. RESULTS: All 4 groups had bone union at a mean of 6.9 weeks (range, 5.1-15.0). There were no differences between the groups in the AOFAS and VAS scores. In the early weight-bearing groups, there were fewer cases of bone resorption, and the bone unions periods were earlier. CONCLUSIONS: Early weight-bearing may help this patient population. Moreover, conservative treatment could be an option in patients with underlying diseases.