Modified shave surgery combined with nail window technique for the treatment of longitudinal melanonychia: evaluation of the method on a series of 67 cases

Abstract Background Nail matrix histopathological examination is still the gold standard to diagnose longitudinal melanonychia (LM). Objective To introduce modified shave surgery combined with nail window technique for managing LM, and evaluate the postoperative outcome of the procedure. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 67 cases with LM who underwent shave surgery combined with longitudinal-strip nail window technique at our institution from March 2015 to June 2018. Results Pathological diagnosis was accessible in all cases and 60 cases were assessable for the postoperative outcomes. Forty-five (75.0%) cases had no postoperative nail dystrophy and the recurrence of nail pigmentation was only found in 8 (13.3%) cases. Limitations This was a retrospective study. Conclusion Modified shave surgery combined with nail window technique is a preferable management for LM cases, with limited postoperative nail dystrophy and pigmentation recurrence.