Leading Global Innovation in Pilonidal Disease Care
Uniting experts worldwide to transform research and treatment.
Who We Are: A Passionate Global Team
We’re PiloNERDs International — a passionate global network of doctors, researchers, and educators who truly care about pilonidal disease.
Our members come from hospitals and institutions across Europe and beyond, all driven by a shared love for great science and better patient care.
Built on teamwork, openness, and continuous progress, we bring together experts from many fields to spark innovation and boost education in pilonidal sinus research and treatment. Learn more about the team.
Driving Research, Inspiring Progress
Our Mission: Research That Matters
Our biggest mission?
To push forward research that really makes a difference for pilonidal sinus disease and related conditions. We’re excited to create a lively space for training, professional growth, and sharing ideas among healthcare providers everywhere. By joining forces nationally and internationally, we back events and projects that raise treatment standards, spread clear guidelines, and improve quality of care. In the end, we want to change medical practice by turning the latest discoveries into better care and advice for patients everywhere.
Here are some examples of our ongoing research interests.
Familial Trait of Axial Hair Force (Hax)
Status: Previous research demonstrates that patients with PSD exhibit higher axial hair force (Hax) compared with matched non-PSD controls. Evidence also indicates a familial predisposition in PSD patients. Research question: How is Hax distributed within families and across generations? Aim: To measure and characterise Hax across multiple generations in affected families.
Pictures 1 a/b: Hax-Testung; Electron microscopic photo of sharp hair tip
Perforation Resilience of Skin
Status: Sharp hair fragments are known to penetrate the skin and initiate PSD; elevated Hax may contribute to this process. Prior work (Karydakis, 1992) has suggested that reduced skin resilience may be a risk factor in pilonidal sinus disease. Research question: Is diminished skin resilience a contributing factor to PSD development? Aim: To develop and validate methods for testing skin resilience and to compare results between PSD patients and unaffected individuals.
Pictures 2 a/b: Measuring instrument, skin resilience testing
Assessment of the Quality of PSD Literature
Status: A substantial proportion of published work on pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) appears to lack substantive value. Research question: Has the quality of the global PSD literature changed over time? Aim: To identify, apply, and validate quality-assessment tools for evaluating both RCTs and non-RCTs in the PSD literature.
Picture 3 a/b: Newcastle-Ottawa-Scale; ROB Graph analysis of world literature
Research creates new knowlege and publications
Good reseach inevitabily leads to discoveries and creates knowledge. New and interesting findings are interesting for other doctors and medical personel worldwide, so publishing them to inform others is part of our mission.
Creativity and cooperation can make productivity thrive, as does team research. Please find enclosed a small list of publications of our PiloNERDs research just published in 2025. We don´t publish to become famous. It is the spirit of the common task that matters, and publications are the by-product. Every publication is accompanied by a small summary indicating what is new and thrilling.
Join the Movement: Make a Difference
Support Our Mission: Join the Movement!
Real progress starts with dedicated research and global teamwork—and we can’t do it without you!
Your donation funds vital clinical studies, education programmes, and the creation of treatments backed by strong evidence.
By giving, you join a movement to challenge years of neglect and improve care for patients everywhere.
Together, we can turn this overlooked condition into a shining example of modern, compassionate treatment.