INTRODUCTION
Pincer nail deformity (PND) is a common toenail disorder characterized by thickening of the nail and transverse over-curvature of the nail plate which causes the nail edges to descend into the lateral nail folds. Besides the significant cosmetic issue, PND can adversely affect quality of life, impairing the ability of the patient to walk or to wear certain types of shoes due to pain, chronic inflammation, and recurrent infections.1
Various conservative and surgical treatment options are available, but there is no standardized method.2-4 Current nonsurgical treatments include nail thinning and softening by application of 40% urea, 3% salicylic acid, or 5% thioglycolic acid,5 placement of a plastic brace,6,7 or shape memory alloy device,8,9 and nail grinding.10 Although all are simple procedures, efficacy is variable, treatment duration is long, and there is a risk of recurrence.11 Surgical treatments can be divided into two types: those that destroy the nail matrix and those that preserve it. Both might entail the use of skin or other tissue grafts12-14 and numerous repeated procedures to widen the nail bed.4,15-17 Despite the generally low recurrence rate of surgical treatments, they may be associated with severe pain, poor cosmetic outcome, or complications, including secondary infection, tissue necrosis, and sensory disturbance.
Various conservative and surgical treatment options are available, but there is no standardized method.2-4 Current nonsurgical treatments include nail thinning and softening by application of 40% urea, 3% salicylic acid, or 5% thioglycolic acid,5 placement of a plastic brace,6,7 or shape memory alloy device,8,9 and nail grinding.10 Although all are simple procedures, efficacy is variable, treatment duration is long, and there is a risk of recurrence.11 Surgical treatments can be divided into two types: those that destroy the nail matrix and those that preserve it. Both might entail the use of skin or other tissue grafts12-14 and numerous repeated procedures to widen the nail bed.4,15-17 Despite the generally low recurrence rate of surgical treatments, they may be associated with severe pain, poor cosmetic outcome, or complications, including secondary infection, tissue necrosis, and sensory disturbance.
Laser surgeries have been used for a multitude of applications involving the nail unit, including ingrown toenails.18 Studies have suggested that laser treatment could be beneficial for the treatment of PND. Its potential advantages over surgical excision might include a short procedure time with less bleeding, lower risk of secondary infection,19 and decreased downtime with minimal postoperative morbidity.1
