Onychogryphosis of the finger: A case report

Abstract

Onychogryphosis is a disorder of nail growth characterized by  thickening and increase in length and curvature of the nail plate either upward (ram's horn dystrophy) or downward (oyster like onychogryphosis). It is mostly found in the feet of elderly, invalid patients due to neglected self-care behaviours. It may however occur following trauma to the nail bed. The presence of onychogryphosis in elderly patients may contribute to difficulty in using appropriate footwear and restriction of use of the hands. We managed an elderly man with finger onychogryphosis following trauma to the nail in a background of limb paresis. Excision of the nail plate and matricectomy was done as a definitive surgical treatment for the condition. This enabled better function of the hand and allowed easier performance of activities of daily living.