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Nail Surgery Supplies

Our Professional Nail Surgery Product Range offers a complete suite of high-quality tools and essentials tailored for podiatrists. Designed to ensure precision, safety, and optimal patient outcomes, our range includes surgical instruments, anaesthetics, and clinical hygiene products.

We also supply other necessary products to perform minor surgery like digit tourniquets for stemming blood flow and irrigation solutions for topical cleansing of wounds.

Nail Surgery Supplies

Nail Surgery

Advanced Nail Surgery Techniques for Podiatrists

Nail surgery is a critical component of podiatric care, often addressing painful and persistent conditions such as ingrown toenails, fungal infections, and trauma-related nail deformities. As a professional podiatrist, staying updated on advanced techniques and best practices is essential for providing the highest level of care to your patients. This article explores key aspects of nail surgery, including indications, surgical techniques, postoperative care, and innovations in the field.

Indications for Nail Surgery

Nail surgery is typically indicated for a range of conditions, including:

  • Ingrown Toenails (Onychocryptosis): Chronic or recurrent ingrown toenails that do not respond to conservative treatment.
  • Fungal Nail Infections (Onychomycosis): Severe fungal infections unresponsive to topical or oral antifungal treatments.
  • Trauma and Deformities: Nail deformities resulting from trauma or congenital conditions.
  • Paronychia: Chronic or acute infections around the nail.

Preoperative Assessment and Patient Preparation

A thorough preoperative assessment is crucial to identify any contraindications and to plan the appropriate surgical approach. Key considerations include:

  • Medical History: Assess for any systemic conditions (e.g., diabetes, peripheral vascular disease) that may affect healing.
  • Medications: Review any anticoagulant or immunosuppressive medications.
  • Patient Consent: Ensure the patient is fully informed about the procedure, risks, benefits, and postoperative care.

Surgical Techniques

Several surgical techniques are employed in nail surgery, each tailored to the specific condition being treated. Here are some commonly used methods:

Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA)

  • Indications: Ingrown toenails.
  • Procedure: The lateral edge of the nail is removed along with the offending nail matrix. A chemical agent such as phenol is applied to prevent regrowth.
  • Benefits: Minimally invasive with a high success rate.

Total Nail Avulsion (TNA)

  • Indications: Severe fungal infections or trauma.
  • Procedure: The entire nail plate is removed, often combined with matrixectomy to prevent regrowth.
  • Benefits: Effective for extensive nail pathology.

Matrixectomy

  • Indications: Recurrent ingrown toenails.
  • Procedure: The nail matrix is surgically or chemically destroyed to prevent future nail growth.
  • Benefits: Permanent solution for chronic conditions.

Winograd Technique

  • Indications: Ingrown toenails.
  • Procedure: A wedge of tissue is excised from the lateral nail fold, including the offending nail edge and matrix.
  • Benefits: Reduces recurrence rates by removing both the nail and inflamed tissue.

Postoperative Care

Effective postoperative care is essential for optimal outcomes and includes:

  • Wound Care: Regular dressing changes and monitoring for signs of infection.
  • Pain Management: Prescribing appropriate analgesics and advising on pain management strategies.
  • Follow-Up: Scheduling follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any complications.
  • Patient Education: Providing instructions on foot hygiene, nail care, and activity restrictions to prevent recurrence.

Innovations and Future Directions

The field of nail surgery is continually evolving with advancements aimed at improving patient outcomes and reducing recovery times. Some notable innovations include:

  • Laser Therapy: Utilised for the treatment of onychomycosis, laser therapy offers a non-invasive alternative with promising results.
  • Minimally Invasive Techniques: Advances in instrumentation and techniques are reducing the invasiveness of procedures, leading to quicker recovery and less postoperative pain.
  • Biological Dressings: The use of advanced wound dressings, such as those containing growth factors, is enhancing the healing process.

Conclusion

Nail surgery remains a vital component of podiatric practice, addressing a range of debilitating conditions. By staying informed about the latest techniques and innovations, podiatrists can ensure they provide the highest standard of care. Continuous education and adaptation to new methods will further enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction.

For further reading and detailed guidelines, refer to resources such as the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, the College of Podiatry, and the British Journal of Podiatry.

Further Reading

  • A Podiatrist

    May 13, 2025

    Why Podiatry Care Beats Self‑Diagnosing

    When you have a nagging foot problem, it’s tempting to play “Dr. Google” and diagnose yourself at home. The internet has many quick answers. Almost three-quarters of patients say they look online for medical information. In fact, over 35% of people have tried to identify a medical condition online instead of seeing a professional.

  • Fungal Nail Laser

    May 03, 2025

    Fungal Nail (Onychomycosis) Infections Research Review

    Onychomycosis or fungal nail infection, is a common and tough infection. It affects many people around the world. It is estimated to occur in around 5% of people worldwide (with higher rates in older adults, up to 20–25%) .

    Toenails are affected more often than fingernails. Onychomycosis makes up about 30% of all fungal infections in the skin, hair, and nails. Beyond cosmetic concerns, fungal nail infections can cause pain, discomfort, and nail disfigurement, impacting patients’ quality of life. 

  • Wound Dressinsgs

    April 30, 2025

    What is the best dressing for healing wounds?

    In the UK, wound care is an essential part of the NHS and is often managed by GPs, practice nurses and community healthcare teams. Choosing the right wound dressing can promote faster healing, improve comfort and essentially reduce complications. Below is a summary of the main dressing types used across NHS and community settings.
  • Treating Metatarsalgia

    April 12, 2025

    Effective Strategies for Treating Metatarsalgia

    Metatarsalgia can be a real pain in the foot - literally. If you've been experiencing discomfort in the ball of your foot, you might be dealing with this common condition. But don't worry; you're not alone. Many people have this problem. The good news is that there are effective ways to treat and manage metatarsalgia.

  • Acupuncture for Plantar Fasciitis

    April 06, 2025

    Acupuncture for Plantar Fasciitis: A Comprehensive Guide

    Plantar fasciitis, characterised by heel pain due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, affects many individuals, especially those who are active or on their feet for extended periods.

  • Orthotic Componetnts

    April 01, 2025

    Orthotic Components & Additions for Insole Adaptations

    Orthotic components are essential in addressing a range of foot-related issues. Whether you're a podiatrist, physiotherapist, or simply someone seeking relief from foot pain, these additions allow for targeted support, realignment, and cushioning.

  • Slimflex Orthotic Insoles

    March 04, 2025

    Introduction to Slimflex

    Among the various prefabricated orthotic options available, Slimflex stands out as a versatile and effective solution. Slimflex orthotics are designed to be used straight out of the box or easily modified with additional orthotic components, such as metatarsal domes, valgus pads, and orthotic wedges.

    This flexibility makes them an excellent choice for both practitioners and patients seeking a reliable and adaptable foot orthotic solution.

  • Dry Feet

    February 05, 2025

    How Foot Creams Penetrate your Skin

    Foot creams are more than a luxury – they are essential for maintaining healthy feet. Cracked or dry feet are not just uncomfortable; they can lead to serious complications if untreated. But how do foot creams penetrate the skin, and how can you maximise their benefits? Let’s explore the science behind foot creams, their absorption, and their effectiveness in keeping your feet soft and healthy.

  • Fungal Nail Infection

    January 30, 2025

    How to Treat Fungal Nail Infection

    Fungal nail infections, or onychomycosis, are common but stubborn conditions that affect toenails and fingernails. They cause nails to become discoloured, thick, and brittle. Left untreated, the infection can spread and become harder to manage.