Gutter Splint For Ingrown Toenail

1 2 in the classic gutter splint method the ingrown edge of the nail plate is freed up to the extreme proximal part and then splinted using a gutter.

Gutter splint for ingrown toenail.

Herein we describe a more conservative gutter technique that is less traumatic and does not require anesthesia. Isolation of the nail plate from the ulcer bed using a gutter shaped splint may improve healing. Trick of the trade. Conservative approaches for the treatment of ingrown toenails without infection include placing a cotton wisp dental floss or gutter splint with or without acrylic nail under the ingrown nail.

Physicians may apply a gutter splint to the ingrown nail edge by slitting vinyl intravenous tubing and cutting it to fit with one end cut diagonally for smooth insertion14 figure 2 8. This method requires anesthesia. In the classic gutter splint method the ingrown edge of the nail plate is freed up to the extreme proximal part and then splinted using a gutter. Toenail splinting the referenced article describes splinting the toenail essentially lifting the offending edge of the toenail so subsequent growth does not push into the tissue.

Isolation of the nail plate from the ulcer bed using a gutter.