The experience of using orthonix braces in the treatment of nail mycosis

Background. The removal of the affected part of the nail plate as a part of the standard treatment for onychomycosis, often leads to an ingrown nail. Surgical methods of treating this complication are far from being as effective as the orthonix braces existing in German podological practice. These braces installed on the nail plates after the necessary removal of the part of the nail affected by mycosis serve as prophylaxis of paronychia and possible persistent onycholysis. In this study, we used the VHO and Fraser brace technique. Objective. Evaluation of the efficacy of new methods of treating ingrown toenail as complication in dermatological practice for the treatment of nail mycosis, and recommendation of the installation of orthonix braces as the best preventive measure. Methods. 36 patients with onychomycosis of the feet were followed up. The duration of the disease ranged from a year to 15 years. All patients underwent complex treatment with systemic, topical antimycotics and surgical scrubbing. The parts of the nail on the great toe of the foot affected by the fungal process, which occupied from 1/3 to 3/4 of the nail, were removed using surgical scrubbing. Braces were used for the prevention of onychocryptosis. Results. During the treatment, there were no cases of ingrown toenails among patients with pre-installed braces, no discomfort in the lateral ridges was also observed throughout the entire treatment period. Conclusion. The introduction of the method of orthonyxia in medical practice with the combined treatment of onychomycosis in individuals with a predisposition to onychocryptosis can significantly prevent side effects from intervention on toenails. Removal of sections of the nail plates affected by mycosis is necessary in the treatment of onychomycosis, however, it often leads to various complications -deformation of the nail bed, deformation of the nails, shortening of the nail bed and ingrown nail. Methods of orthonyxia successfully prevent or, in some cases, mitigate these effects. Thus, the use of orthonix devices in mycological practice will prevent the ingrown nail and some types of nail dystrophies.

onychocryptosis, onychomycosis, orthonyxia, paronychia, ingrown nail, orthonyx brace, 3TO brace, Fraser brace, complex treatment of nail mycosis