In 1947 we reported1 on a grinding box to protect the operator in high-speed abrasion of the nails. We felt then and still feel that such a box is necessary for the protection of the operator and also of the patient from the dust of these abraded nails. Frequently, this dust may contain bacterial and fungous elements, and distribution patterns of dust dispersion after high-speed abrasion are very extensive.
Showing plastic box for protection of operator and patient during high-speed abrasion of fingernails and toenails.
Continued experience with the plastic box developed in 1947 revealed that it was cumbersome, that it would not lend itself to easy access to toenails, and did not allow for the collection of material for cultures. The proposed wide-mouth test tube held at an angle to the grinding burr was easy to use; it did offer material for culture, but provided only partial