A Combination of Nail Grinding and Nail Fold Resection for a Juvenile’s Pincer Nail Deformity

Pincer nail is a severe variant of nail deformity characterized by excessive transverse curvature of the nail, impinging on both lateral nail folds. The distal end is the most curved and grows inward, squeezing both lateral nail folds, resulting in varying degrees of pain and discomfort, making it difficult for patients to wear shoes, hindering walking, and severely impacting the quality of life. Although most previous nail surgical procedures have demonstrated good outcomes, these complicated operations result in a long recovery period and painful nail extraction. Here we present a tissue-preserving combination therapy of nail grinding followed by limited nail fold resection without nail plate extraction. By preserving the integrity of the nail bed and matrix, this approach avoids the extensive dissection and avulsion trauma inherent in conventional procedures, offering reduced postoperative pain, faster recovery, and minimal cosmetic alteration.