Plummer's nail

Plummer's Nail

Plummer's nail (pronunciation: /ˈplʌmərz neɪl/), also known as thyroid acropachy, is a medical condition characterized by clubbing of the fingers and toes, along with periosteal reaction of the distal bones. The condition is named after Dr. Henry Stanley Plummer, an American physician who first described the condition.

Etymology

The term "Plummer's nail" is derived from the name of Dr. Henry Stanley Plummer, who first described the condition. The term "nail" refers to the affected part of the body, i.e., the nails of the fingers and toes.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of Plummer's nail is clubbing of the fingers and toes. This is characterized by a bulbous enlargement of the distal phalanges of the fingers and toes. Other symptoms may include pain, swelling, and erythema (redness) of the affected areas.

Causes

Plummer's nail is often associated with thyroid disease, particularly Graves' disease. It is thought to be caused by an overactive thyroid gland, which leads to an overproduction of thyroid hormones. These hormones can cause changes in the nails and underlying bone, leading to the symptoms of Plummer's nail.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Plummer's nail is typically based on the characteristic physical findings, along with a history of thyroid disease. Additional tests, such as X-rays or blood tests, may be used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

Treatment

Treatment for Plummer's nail primarily involves managing the underlying thyroid condition. This may involve medication to regulate thyroid hormone levels, or in some cases, surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland.

Related Terms

• Clubbing
• Graves' disease
• Thyroid disease
• Periosteal reaction

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Plummer's nail
• Wikipedia's article - Plummer's nail

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