Onychogryposis



Onychogryposis, also called "ram's-horn nail", is a thickening and increase in curvature of the nail. It is usually the result of injury to the matrix, sometimes coupled with a long term fungal infection, which causes the nail to grow more thickly. It may be partially hereditary and is caused by neglect. It is most commonly seen in the great toe but may be seen in other toes as well as the fingernails. An affected nail may have many grooves and ridges, is usually brownish in color, and grows more quickly on one side than on the other. The thick curved nail is difficult to cut, and often remains untrimmed, exacerbating the problem. Long, untreated nails due to onychogryphosis are an often a hidden cause of disability among the elderly.