Nail Surgery Options - Nail Bracing or Partial Nail Avulsion?
Nail Bracing Procedure
Nail surgery is a common procedure done to effectively treat an ingrown toenail. It is a minor procedure which should permanently treat ingrown toenails. Surgery may become required when an ingrown nail repeatedly returns, gets infected, is continually painful or prevents the patient from wearing shoes or inhibits daily activity. Conservative treatment is recommended before surgery. One of these options include Nail Bracing, a very common practice in Europe and Japan and offered by only a handful of Australian Podiatrists. Rhodes Podiatry uses the 3TO Brace – The 3TO Brace is constructed of spring steel wire and is comprised of two sides with small hooks that fit under the edges of the nail. By twisting a middle loop, the sides of the nail are raised slightly and the underlying and surrounding tissue in the nail sulci is relieved. Natural growth is supported and the nail brought into form.
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Partial Nail Avulsion Procedure (PNA)
Nail surgery or Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA) includes a full assessment by your Podiatrist, a complete medical history, and determining any other clinical factors that will determine if surgery is the right for you. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic via injection into the toe to numb it. The anaesthetic will wear off after two-three hours. Once numb, a tourniquet is applied to the toe to control bleeding and the skin is prepped to minimise the risk of infection. The nail is lifted and trimmed away, where both sides or the entire nail can be removed at this time. A chemical can be applied to prevent the regrowth of the nail. When the procedure is done, the tourniquet is removed and a sterile dressing is applied. You will be able to walk immediately after the procedure, however it is advised that you have assistance getting home.
Partial Nail Avulsion AftercareImmediately after the procedure, pain relief, open toed footwear and activity modification is needed. There should be no interference with daily activity. Re-dressings and a few consultations are needed in the weeks that follow the procedure.
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Partial Nail Avulsion ComplicationsLike most surgeries there is some risk of complications, a PNA is known to very safe and minimal risk. The most common side effect is infection, which can be minimised by good post operative care. The other most common complication is the possibility of nail regrowth.
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