Onychogryphosis nails in a diabetic patient: Rare Case Report

Document Type : Case Report

Authors

1 Arthrosclerosis Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 5. Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran

3 1. MSc Student of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

4 2. Instructor, Department of Military Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

5 3. Assistant Professor, Department of Critical Care Nursing , Faculty of Nursing, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

6 Students Research Committee, Nursing Faculty of Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IRAN.

10.30491/ijtmgh.2023.384027.1342

Abstract

Onychogryphosis is a disorder caused by nail trauma. Although it may have an evolutionary cause, hitting and wearing tight shoes are significant factors. Case presentation: The patient was a 64-year-old man with a 20-year history of diabetes and coronary heart disease who presented to the wound clinic for a diabetic foot ulcer on his right foot. Onychogryphosis, also known as ram's horn nail, was diagnosed due to the high thickness, rotation, and downward twisting of the nail, resulting in a ram-like horn appearance. After disinfecting the fingers with an alcohol-free disinfectant spray, large and hard parts of the affected nails were removed using Dual-action nail clippers, and sharp edges and deformations were smoothed and sharpened using a nail file machine. Substantial nail improvement was observed after the procedure. Based on the photos taken after the procedure, the patient's nails were in good condition, and the patient was satisfied with the outcome. Appropriate foot health education was provided to the patient, and he was referred to an orthotics and prosthetics specialist to obtain suitable shoes.

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