Successful nail surgery requires exposure of the underlying tissues. In many cases, partial nail plate avulsion is preferable compared with traditional total distal and proximal plate avulsions. The techniques described herein include partial distal, lateral, proximal, and window techniques, and two variation of the total plate avulsion termed the trap door and lateral nail plate curl avulsion. By using these methods, the surgeon is able to access the targeted nail unit while minimizing trauma to adjacent, uninvolved tissue.