disc reduction of non pathological nails

Members do not see these Ads. Sign Up.

Dear Pods
I'm in a quandry, in my 6yr post graduate practice I frequently use a moores sanding disc on a drill to flatten off calloused prominences, reduce mycotic nails, flatten halos around prominent hd's, reduce fissures, promote skin to skin adhesion, the usual suspects.
I cannot find any significant contraindication or risks to their use other than slicing cuts could be caused if used by an inexperienced practitioner. Sterility does seem to be an issue but there are no guidelines on their use in the literature.
My quandry is that on occasion I have found it safer and less traumatic to the pt if I simply file their nails, with their consent, with a sanding disc. The results are far faster and less haemmorhage prone than using sharp implements on otherwise non pathological nails of moderate length. Given that the use of sharp instruments to cut nails is a cornerstone of our profession, where do we as a profession stand on the use of a light sanding disc to simply file non pathological nails.
your contributions and opinions would be valued and appreciated.

 

I once turned up to my only home visit of the day having forgotten to put a set of instruments in my case!!!! However, the patient has thick nails which are crumbly and weak, and I usually do more burring than cutting. With his permission, I simply burred the nails, with a diamond burr, the results were the same as if i had clipped with nippers first.
Therefore I would agree that there are times when sanding is ok.