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OSCE: Removal of Nail or Nail Fold Aka. Nail extraction

Writer: MaytaMayta



Patient Introduction and Consent

Task

Done Correctly

Done Incorrectly

Not Done

Introduce yourself and confirm the patient's name.

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Explain the procedure’s indications and objectives.

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Verify contraindications to the procedure.

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Inform the patient of potential complications.

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Obtain informed consent with signature.

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Indications

  • Subungual hematoma.

  • Partially or totally avulsed nail.

  • Fungal infection (Onychomycosis).

Contraindications

  • Absolute:

    • Bleeding diathesis.

  • Relative:

    • Allergy to local anesthetic.

Complications

  • Bleeding.

  • Infection.

  • Nail bed injury.

  • Paronychial injury.


 

Procedure Steps

Equipment Preparation

Task

Done Correctly

Done Incorrectly

Not Done

Collect and prepare sterile equipment.

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Required Equipment:

  • Antiseptic solution and cotton swabs.

  • Sterile drapes.

  • 5-10 mL syringe with a fine-gauge needle.

  • Lidocaine (1%) or bupivacaine (0.5%) without adrenaline.

  • Metzenbaum or iris scissors.

  • Forceps.

  • Straight arterial clamp or hemostat clamp.

  • Vaseline gauze or Bactigras.

  • Absorbable suture material.


 

Site Preparation

Task

Done Correctly

Done Incorrectly

Not Done

Clean the area with antiseptic solution.

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Anesthesia: Digital Nerve Block

Task

Done Correctly

Done Incorrectly

Not Done

Perform a digital nerve block using proper technique.

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  1. Injection at the Base of the Digit:

    • Insert the needle at a 45° angle on the lateral side of the digit, just proximal to the web space.

    • Inject 1-2 mL of lidocaine while withdrawing the needle slightly.

    • Redirect the needle to the palmar/plantar surface of the same side and inject 1-2 mL.

  2. Repeat on the Opposite Side:

    • Move to the other side of the digit and repeat the same process.

  3. Confirmation of Anesthesia:

    • Wait 5-10 minutes for the anesthetic to take effect.

    • Test the anesthesia by gently pinching the digit or using a blunt instrument.

Comment Section:

Nail Removal: Total/Partial Extraction

Task

Done Correctly

Done Incorrectly

Not Done

Inspect the nail bed for injuries.

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Use proper technique for nail extraction.

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  1. Inspect the Nail Bed:

    • Check for lacerations or other injuries.

    • Suture any lacerations with absorbable material if necessary.

  2. Perform Total/Partial Nail Extraction:

    • Use Metzenbaum or iris scissors to gently insert under the nail between the nail plate and the nail bed.

    • Carefully advance toward the nail base, separating the nail from the nail bed.

    • Use the hemostat or arterial clamp to grasp the nail and remove it completely.

Wound Closure and Dressing

Task

Done Correctly

Done Incorrectly

Not Done

Apply appropriate dressing to the wound.

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  1. Cover the nail bed with Vaseline gauze or Bactigras.

  2. Secure with a sterile dressing.

Post-Procedure Care

  • Advise the patient to keep the dressing dry and intact.

  • Schedule a follow-up visit for wound assessment.

Score Sheet

Task

Done Correctly

Done Incorrectly

Not Done

Patient introduction.

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Explanation of procedure.

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Contraindications assessed.

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Informed consent obtained.

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Digital nerve block.

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Nail removal performed.

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Dressing applied.

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Post: Blog2_Post

Message for International Readers
Understanding My Medical Context in Thailand

By Uniqcret, M.D.
 

Dear readers,
 

My name is Uniqcret, which is my pen name used in all my medical writings. I am a Doctor of Medicine trained and currently practicing in Thailand, a developing country in Southeast Asia.
 

The medical training environment in Thailand is vastly different from that of Western countries. Our education system heavily emphasizes rote memorization—those who excel are often seen as "walking encyclopedias." Unfortunately, those who question, critically analyze, or solve problems efficiently may sometimes be overlooked, despite having exceptional clinical thinking skills.
 

One key difference is in patient access. In Thailand, patients can walk directly into tertiary care centers without going through a referral system or primary care gatekeeping. This creates an intense clinical workload for doctors and trainees alike. From the age of 20, I was already seeing real patients, performing procedures, and assisting in operations—not in simulations, but in live clinical situations. Long work hours, sometimes exceeding 48 hours without sleep, are considered normal for young doctors here.
 

Many of the insights I share are based on first-hand experiences, feedback from attending physicians, and real clinical practice. In our culture, teaching often involves intense feedback—what we call "โดนซอย" (being sliced). While this may seem harsh, it pushes us to grow stronger, think faster, and become more capable under pressure. You could say our motto is “no pain, no gain.”
 

Please be aware that while my articles may contain clinically accurate insights, they are not always suitable as direct references for academic papers, as some content is generated through AI support based on my knowledge and clinical exposure. If you wish to use the content for academic or clinical reference, I strongly recommend cross-verifying it with high-quality sources or databases. You may even copy sections of my articles into AI tools or search engines to find original sources for further reading.
 

I believe that my knowledge—built from real clinical experience in a high-intensity, under-resourced healthcare system—can offer valuable perspectives that are hard to find in textbooks. Whether you're a student, clinician, or educator, I hope my content adds insight and value to your journey.
 

With respect and solidarity,

Uniqcret, M.D.

Physician | Educator | Writer
Thailand

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