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

Abstract

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.

Keywords:

• Nail dystrophy
• surgery
• nail plate
• clinical efficacy

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s). Financial disclosure statements have been obtained, and no conflicts of interest have been reported by the authors or by any individuals in control of the content of this article.

Data availability statement

Datasets generated and analyzed during the course of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality under Grant [number 22MC1940300]; Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Ninth People’s Hospital ‘Cross’ Research Fund Project under Grant [number JYJC202236].