The use of a combination nail elevator and hemostat clamp. New instruments for nail avulsion.

Nail avulsion surgery is frequently accomplished using a hemostat clamp with or without a nail elevator device. Two new instruments have been developed that combine the useful design specifications of the hemostat clamp with the nail elevator device. Specifically, one blade of the hemostat is replaced with either a nail elevator spatula or a Freer septum elevator allowing nail elevation, clamping, and removal with a single instrument. Use of either device is more efficient because nail avulsion is completed using a single instrument thereby reducing procedural steps and handling and sterilization costs. Furthermore, these instruments may reduce the risk of trauma to the nail bed and matrix during nail avulsion. The instruments and their use are described.