A highly curved nail plate often called 'folded nail,' caused by injury to the matrix or inherited, is a(n) _____.

• A. Clubbed nail
• B. Spiral nail
• C. Onycholysis
• D. Plicatured nail

Answer: (D)

This question tests recognizing a nail deformity where the nail plate is unusually curved or folded. The matrix at the base of the nail makes the nail plate, and when that matrix is injured or the curvature is inherited, the plate grows into a folded or pleated shape. That specific presentation is called a plicatured nail, or folded nail.

It’s different from clubbed nails, which involve broad, rounded nails and bulbous fingertips due to systemic conditions; onycholysis, which is the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed; and a spiral nail, which is a twisted nail growth.