Unlocking potential: clinical benefits of enlarging the nail bed explored through continuous W-shaped incisions

Purpose Nail bed atrophy, a common condition for which conservative treatments have limited efficacy, continues to present challenges in determining the optimal surgical intervention. This study introduces a novel technique for nail bed expansion. Materials and Methods A total of 34 patients with na...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Yaxin Xue, Zijing Du, Chao Du, Jiajun Fan, Jia Xu, Xin Li, Hao Lv, Yi Cao, Dong Han
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2023-12-01
Series:Journal of Dermatological Treatment
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2023.2241940
Description
Summary:Purpose Nail bed atrophy, a common condition for which conservative treatments have limited efficacy, continues to present challenges in determining the optimal surgical intervention. This study introduces a novel technique for nail bed expansion. Materials and Methods A total of 34 patients with nail bed atrophy, selected between 2015 and 2020 (ChiCTR2000036232), were randomized into a control group (n = 17) and a surgical group (n = 17). While no specialized treatment was administered to the control group, the surgical group underwent continuous W-shaped incisions on the ventral side of the digits. Results Following a 12-month follow-up period, changes in nail bed height, width, area, esthetic satisfaction, pain levels, and tactile sensation were assessed in both groups. In the surgical group, the height, width, and area of the nail bed increased significantly by 1.50 ± 0.49 times, 1.16 ± 0.23 times, and 1.69 ± 0.60 times, respectively, compared to the preoperative measurements. The newly-formed nail plate exhibited improved esthetics, characterized by its smoothness and transparency, a marked improvement over the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, this surgical approach showed significant effects, regardless of whether it was applied to fingers or toes. Conclusion: The continuous W-shaped incision technique demonstrated substantial benefits and could be a practical therapeutic approach for nail bed enlargement.
ISSN:0954-6634
1471-1753