Usefulness of Optical Coherence Tomography in the Preoperative Assessment of Nail Deformities

Abstract

Secondary nail deformities are often seen at some time after fingertip and nail bed injuries. A proper evaluation of the fingernail enables appropriate diagnosis and treatment, especially in patients who need surgical management. To date, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging are the only diagnostic tools that most surgeons use in cases of nail deformities. Herein, we report the case of a patient with a nail deformity who underwent successful correction based on the preoperative use of real-time optical coherence tomography.