title: Correction of pincer nail deformities using a modified double Z-plasty.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pincer nail is a deformity characterized by excessive transverse curvature of the nail plate that increases distally for which many conservative and surgical corrective modalities have been recommended.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study is to investigate the outcomes and safety of modified double Z-plasty in the management of symptomatic pincer nail.
  
  
  METHODS
  Modified double Z-plasty has been performed on 20 great toes in 12 patients from January 2008 to December 2013. The mean age of patients was 43 (range: 20-65) years. Three men and 9 women were enrolled. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain, transverse angle, and width indices were investigated at the initial and the last follow-up. The average follow-up period was 2.4 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All parameters showed significant improvement after surgery. Between the initial and last follow-up, the mean VAS score fell from 7.4 to 0.3, the mean transverse angle improved from 50 to 166°, and the mean width index improved from 65.4% to 97%. In all patients, the deformity was successfully eliminated with no recurrences. No complications were identified.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Modified double Z-plasty provides a long-standing effective treatment for pincer nail deformity with an excellent esthetic result.
authors.affiliation: Departments of *Orthopedic Surgery, and †Dermatology, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Young Joo
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: Jae Hoon
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Dong Jun
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.forename: Woo Young
authors.initials: WY
authors.lastname: Sim
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009264:Nails, Malformed / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014034:Toes / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult