Nail reconstruction and prosthetics: repairing damaged and deformed toenails

With the start of summer, temperatures are rising and the barefoot season will soon begin. Attractive and healthy-looking toenails are a must-have, especially at this time, as they are part of a well-groomed appearance. Damaged or deformed nails are often perceived as an embarrassment. As a result, many people hide their feet in socks or closed shoes. In this case, it is worth seeking professional foot care because nail prosthetics can help. Using specialised nail reconstruction techniques, a damaged or partially missing nail plate can be replaced with artificial nail material. The toenail is visually restored and can hardly be distinguished from a natural, healthy nail. This means that the feet can once again be shown off with confidence when visiting the swimming pool, sauna, walking barefoot or wearing open shoes.

In addition to the aesthetic component, maintaining the natural protective function of the nail also plays an important role. A nail plate that is too short or missing can cause the tip of the toe to curl, which can cause considerable discomfort. Nail growth is impaired and there is a risk that the nail fold will recede.

Nail prosthetics are used to repair, correct and visually restore toenails. There are many possible applications, ranging from nail injuries (nail trauma) and ingrown toenails or toenails damaged by nail fungus to nail dystrophies or other forms of deformity. The artificial nail improves the appearance and alos restores the protective function of the affected nail.

Applications for nail prosthetics:

• Brittle and splintering toenails
• Partially or completely peeling toenails
• Toenails severely damaged by nail fungus
• Growth disorders
• Nail trauma
• Nail dystrophies

Podiatrist Katarina Kandlen regularly uses nail prosthetics. She reports that problems very often arise due to incorrect cutting of the toenails. If the nail corners are cut too deeply or removed completely, the nail can no longer grow back properly. "This is a disaster, as you can no longer see the edge of the nail and therefore the problem area," explains Katarina Kandlen. "With nail prosthetics, I was finally able to create more space in the nail fold for this patient. The nail was able to grow back bit by bit and no longer causes any problems," the expert continues.

Different techniques can be used to restore or replace the toenail with a nail prosthesis. Proven methods are:

• Acrylic technique
  Nail reinforcement using acrylic varnish applied in several layers increases the stability of brittle and splintering nails. This creates a robust, long-lasting surface. In the 2-component system, an acrylic-based plastic powder and a solvent liquid are mixed to form a homogeneous mass. This can be used to mould a semi-transparent nail set that hardens in just five to six minutes.
• Self-hardening nail compound
  The nail compound is ideal for levelling uneven nail plates, fixing torn nails or building up nails. It hardens within a few minutes and can be applied in several layers. In combination with cellulose or Copoline both the exposed nail bed and the protective nail surface can be treated for many weeks, provided there is a sufficiently dimensioned remaining nail.
• Reinforcement with fibreglass
  Fibreglass mesh provides stability and is a high-quality reinforcement of the nail plate. It can also be used to lengthen the nail.
• Light-curing UV gels
  This modern method uses light-curing UV gels, which are particularly easy to model and remain highly elastic even after curing. By using a suitable bonding agent (primer), the durability on problem nails can be improved, for example in the case of damage caused by nail fungus. These products often also contain antifungal agents. A combination with fibreglass is possible if a harder consistency is required.

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The RUCK Academy hosts regular workshops where you can learn about the wide range of applications for nail reconstruction and practise specific techniques in small groups.

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In her video, podiatrist Elisabeth Prinz also looks at the topic of instruments - in particular forceps. She uses two case studies to show the possibilities of using full and partial prosthetics with powder and liquid acrylic. Click in now!