Plain-English explanations of the technical terms and legislation used in this document.
- Annotation
- A note on a podiatrist's registration confirming they may use certain medicines.
- Aseptic non-touch technique
- A way of working that keeps the parts touching the wound completely untouched, so germs are not carried in.
- Digital block
- An injection at the base of the toe that numbs the whole toe.
- Doppler
- A handheld device that listens to blood flow in the arteries of the foot.
- Ischaemia
- Not enough blood reaching the tissue, which can cause it to die.
- LAST
- Poisoning caused by too much local anaesthetic reaching the bloodstream.
- Monophasic
- A Doppler sound with one phase instead of three, suggesting narrowed arteries.
- Osteomyelitis
- Infection that has reached the bone.
- Phenol
- A corrosive chemical applied to the nail matrix so the removed nail does not grow back.
- Regrowth
- Nail growing back where it was treated not to, and the commonest reason for a repeat procedure.
- Residual risk
- The risk that is left once the existing controls are working.
- Spicule
- A small splinter of nail left behind, which can cause the problem to recur.
- Tourniquet
- A tight band round the toe to stop bleeding during the procedure. It must always be removed.
- Vasoconstrictor
- A substance that narrows blood vessels, not used in toes because the toe depends on a small blood supply.