WHAT IS A PARTIAL NAIL AVULSION?

A PNA (partial nail avulsion) is a procedure that your podiatrist may have recommended you undergo if you frequently suffer from ingrown toenails.

This procedure can be performed by one of our trained podiatrists in the clinic and will usually take approximately 30 minutes.

The procedure will involve injecting local anaesthetic into the toe to allow the area to go numb. Following this a portion of your nail will be removed from the side so the nail is flat and does not grow underneath the skin.

PRIOR TO THE PROCEDURE:

Try and consume a snack or meal around 45 minutes before your appointment, this can help combat feelings of nausea and settle nerves

The procedure will take around 30 minutes on average depending on the amount of toes and edges to be done

Please bring a pair of open toed shoes (such as thongs, slides or sandals) to your appointment. This will reduce pressure on your toes and accommodate the dressings that will be applied to the site of the procedure

Children under 18 should be accompanied by an adult

IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE PROCEDURE:

Your toe will continue to be numb for another 2-3 hours following the surgery. Once the anaesthetic wears off you may experience some discomfort. You can take non-aspirin based pain medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to alleviate any uncomfortable symptoms. If unsure about pain medications, always consult your pharmacist.

Do not consume Alcohol within 24 hours of the procedure, this may lead to excessive bleeding and discomfort.

If necessary take some panadol or neurofen for pain relief. Don’t take asprin as it may increase post operative bleeding.

Whilst uncommon, some side effects from the anaesthetic include nausea and dizziness. If these symptoms persist see your GP.

It is recommended you avoid activities which could cause trauma to the toe for 48 hours post procedure (e.g Sport). Water based activities should be avoided entirely until your first review with your Podiatrist.

Leave your dressing dry and in place until your post procedure review (usually 5 -7 days). You can use a glove or a bag to cover the foot when showering or hang your foot out of the bathtub.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS:

• post-operative pain

– loosen dressing, please ensure you leave the area covered

– if pain persists after removal of dressing, please contact the clinic during operating hours or seek alternative medical advice.

– you may take Panadol to control pain (avoid aspirin as can increase bleeding)

• infection

– if redness, swelling, odour or heat are present please contact the clinic for assessment

• excessive bleeding

– if bleeding seeps through your dressing, please return to the clinic for re dressing of your toe

FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENTS:

Your podiatrist will review the site 5-7 days following the procedure. At this stage they will provide you with a dressing pack and instructions for you to self dress your toes.

The podiatrist will then arrange a series of appointments to monitor the toes until they are all healed over.