The treatment of the splitting nail with phenol alcohol partial nail matricectomy.
BACKGROUND
Split nails are a common problem originating in focal thinning of the nail matrix.


OBJECTIVE
To determine if cosmetically acceptable results could be achieved utilizing phenol alcohol partial nail matricectomy in patients with split nails.


METHODS
After proper anesthesia, the nail lateral to the split is avulsed followed by destruction of the corresponding portion of the nail matrix to prevent the avulsed nail from regrowing.


RESULTS
Phenol alcohol partial nail matricectomy has proven to be a simple, effective, reproducible treatment with excellent cosmetic results for laterally located split nails.


CONCLUSIONS
A simple nail procedure, widely used for ingrown nails, can be easily adapted for the definitive treatment of split nails.
Miller
M A
MA
University of Akron College of Medicine, Ohio, USA.
Brodell
R T
RT
D000438:Alcohols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D009260:Nail Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery*; D009262:Nails / Q000601:surgery*; D010636:Phenols / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000438:Alcohols; D010636:Phenols