Abstract
This retrospective report describes the treatment outcomes of patients who underwent operation by the author for pincer nails using the Kosaka method (1999, J.Jpn.P.R.S.).
Only those who could be followed for 6 or more months postoperatively were included. There were 60 patients (111 toenails) who met the inclusion criteria over 12 years from 2000 to 2011.
Postoperatively, 79 toenails (71%) showed no nail deformity and the patient did not have pain, slight nail deformity remained postoperatively in 16 toenails (14%). Thus 85% of nails showed improvement, and only 16 nails had poor outcomes. Ingrown nail deformity developed in 12 toenails (11%), and recurrence was seen in 5 toenails of 3 patients (4%).
The Kosaka operation method showed 85% improvement in patients in this study, suggesting that this method is an effective treatment for pincer nails. Although the recovery time is long, the curative effect is good. If surgical candidates are appropriately selected, the Kosaka method offers a favorable probability of successful outcome for patients with pincer nails.
