If you have every had an ingrown toenail removed and developed a reoccurent small portion of nail in the corner, it is called spicule.  This small sliver of nail will grow at the same rate of the full sized nail plate but will be a small detached portion of nail.  While it is nothing to worry about, it can be irritable and bleed if pulled out.  Many patients also describe that it catches on their socks and clothes and is painful.

Nail spicules can also occur on their own.  Trauma to the nail plate, or just age can sometimes create a spicule.

Here is an example of what this looks like.

Permanent removal of nail spicules can be performed with a simple in office procedure which is very similar to the procedure for ingrown toenails.