ABSTRACT

Aim:

To describe modified antenna procedure which is a new technique for the correction of hook nail deformity and report the outcomes of this technique in patients who underwent this procedure.

Methods:

We retrospectively evaluated photos and records of a total of 10 patients (seven men, three women) with a mean age of 26 years (range: 18-42) who underwent reconstruction of hook nail deformity using this new technique under local anesthesia between January 2014 and December 2015. The patients were followed up for an average of 15 months (6-24 months). At the 6th postoperative month, the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test (SWM) and static two-point discrimination test (S2PD) were performed for sensory evaluation. Patient satisfaction survey (0-10 points) was performed and aesthetic and functional evaluation was done at 6th postoperative month.

Results:

The procedure was well tolerated by all patients. There was no complication. All the patients showed an improvement in their hook nail deformity. All patients were satisfied with aesthetic and functional results. The mean SWM test score and S2PD test score was 3.50 (3.22-3.84) and 3.7 mm (2 mm-4 mm), respectively. The average patient satisfaction score was found to be 8.6. Seven mm to ten mm (mean: 8.4 mm) elongations were recorded in the fixed fingers. Extension loss or joint stiffness was not observed in any patient.

Conclusion:

It is concluded that modified antenna procedure is successful, simple, and practical and may be first choice for reconstruction of hook nail deformity.