What is The Lacuna Method®?
The Lacuna Method® is a treatment method for fungal nails which involves drilling multiple micro holes (0.4mm) through the nail plate. This is known a fenestration*. The Lacuna Method® is only available from suitable qualified Podiatrists. This is relatively new treatment and although short term studies have been encouraging no treatment can be guaranteed to be 100% successful.
How Does it work?
It is now understood that the active part of the fungal nail infection is on the nail bed (the skin under the nail) and not the nail itself. The nail acts as a barrier between any antifungal solution applied to the nail and prevents it from accessing the nail bed and treating the infection.
By drilling the micro holes in the nail plate this allows an antifungal treatment, usually Lamisil® AT 1%(Terbinafine), other products are available, spray to be transported to the area of infection directly.
The pressure from footwear on the nail helps redistribute the treatment under the surface of the nail. This stops the fungus spreading and encourages the healthy nail to grow out, along with the holes. As with any antifungal treatment, this takes time, as the infection will only clear as fast as your toenail grows, which may take up to 18 months. Review appointments are recommended on average every 6 weeks and this will include the redrilling of the holes as required. However, this may vary, and your podiatrist will advise you.
| Treatment Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Podiatry initial assessment | £60.00 |
| Podiatry follow up | £45.00 |
| Podiatry Nail Surgery (One Toe) | £350.00 |
| Podiatry Nail Surgery (Two Toes) | £450.00 |
| Lacuna Package | £160.00 |
| Verruca Package | £150.00 |
Who can benefit from the Lacuna Method®?
People with a mild-moderate fungal nail infection. This is any infection that doesn’t reach past the cuticle, as antifungal solutions cannot access this portion of the nail.
Symptoms of a fungal nail infection include:
- Nail thickening
- Nail discolouration – usually either white/dark/yellow
- Brittle nail texture
- Build-up of debris under the nail
- White patches on the nail plate
- Lifting of the nail
There are some contra indications, but your podiatrist will discuss this with you during your assessment.
What does The Lacuna Method® involve?
- A thorough podiatric assessment to examine the nail, this may include testing to confirm the presence of a fungal. We will also provide advice regarding foot hygiene, and how to prevent future recurrence.
- A photo is taken of the nail, so the progress can be monitored.
- The nail is cleaned.
- Micro-holes are drills across the infected portion of nail(s).
- Home care advice is given.
- Antifungal treatment solutions will be discussed and are available for purchase at appointment.
- A review appointment is booked. This may be repeated until the infection has cleared.
Other fungal nail treatment options include:
- Nail surgery
- General podiatry treatment
- Topical treatment methods
- Oral medication via your GP
