Introduction: A poorly described aspect of onychocryptosis – the main cause for nail unit surgeries – is how to perform its surgical closure. The present article describes a new technique denominated alpha stitch that allows the straightening out of the nail fold by positioning it at or below the nail plate’s level.
Objective: To demonstrate the benefits of the alpha stitch surgical closure technique in the surgical matricectomy for onychocryptosis.
Methods: Twenty patients with onychocryptosis grades II and III underwent surgical matricectomy and were followed up for six months. The surgical closure was performed using the alpha stitch technique.
Results: A total of 27 lateral nail folds were operated, with 81.8% yielding the expected result, and 18.1% presenting uncertain outcomes.
Conclusions: The alpha stitch allows the proper healing of the straightened out nail fold, which is positioned at or below the nails plate’s level, with good results, fast recovery, minimal morbidity and a small number of recurrences. The technique can also be used in surgical procedures involving other nail disorders.

Keywords: NAIL DISEASES; AMBULATORY SURGICAL PROCEDURES; SURGICAL PROCEDURES, MINOR; SUTURE TECHNIQUES.

The subungual melanoma is considered a rare subtype of melanoma. It emerges in the ungual matrix, however can involve all components of the nail apparatus. This tumor is often underdiagnosed, which leads to a delay in proper treatment, resulting in a poorer prognosis. The final diagnosis should be confirmed by histology. Conservative surgery in the treatment of subungual melanoma (when in the early stages) is presently recognized by the international literature and offers an effective and curative treatment to the patient, preserving the functional ability. This article describes a case of subungual melanoma successfully treated with conservative surgery, with the preservation of the hallux.

Keywords: MELANOMA; NAIL DISEASES; AMBULATORY SURGICAL PROCEDURES