Partial Matricectomy with a CO2 Laser for Ingrown Toenail after Nail Matrix Staining

BACKGROUND: Ingrown toenail is a common nail disease that causes pain, discomfort, and difficulty in walking. It is treated with either conservative therapy or surgery. OBJECTIVE: To present a new surgical approach to ingrown toenail. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For 19 ingrown toenail borders of 14 toes in 14 patients (1 male and 13 females), the nail matrix was stained with methylene blue and then partial matricectomy was performed with a CO2 laser. RESULTS: There was no recurrence at 18 nail borders after a mean follow-up period of 13.4 months, whereas a spike grew at one border but caused no walking pain. No serious complications occurred. Cosmetic improvement was also satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: Partial nail matricectomy with a CO2 laser after staining the nail matrix with methylene blue allows visual confirmation of the completeness of cauterization.     

Matricectomy and nail ablation

Matricectomy refers to the complete extirpation of the nail matrix, resulting in permanent nail loss. Usually however, matricectomy is only partial, restricted to one or both lateral horns of the matrix. Nail ablation is the definitive removal of the entire nail organ. The most important common denominator in the successful matricectomy is the total removal or destruction of the matrix tissue. Matricectomy may be indicated for the management of onychauxis, onychogryphosis, congenital nail dystrophies, and chronic painful nail, such as recalcitrant ingrown toenail or split within the medial or lateral one-third of the nail.     

Treatment of Recurrent Ingrown Great Toenail Associated with Granulation Tissue by Partial Nail Avulsion Followed by Matricectomy with Sharpulse Carbon Dioxide Laser

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of partial nail avulsion followed by matricectomy with carbon dioxide (CO2) laser for the treatment of ingrown great toenails remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to determine the effectiveness of partial nail avulsion followed by matricectomy with sharpulse CO2 laser in the treatment of recurrent ingrown great toenails associated with granulation tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients with a total of 18 recurrent ingrown great toenails were randomly selected for participation in this study. Partial nail avulsions followed by matricectomy with sharpulse CO2 laser were performed on the involved nails. After at least 6 months, we evaluated the recurrence of ingrown toenails, regrowth of the nail spike, duration of post-treatment pain and post-treatment infection. RESULTS: Partial nail avulsion followed by matricectomy with sharpulse CO2 laser in the treatment of ingrown toenails resulted in a high cure rate, short postoperative pain duration and low risk of postoperative infection. CONCLUSION: This method we advocate is convenient and effective for the treatment of recurrent ingrown great toenail associated with granulation tissue.     

Soft-tissue nail-fold excision: a definitive treatment for ingrown toenails

Background

Ingrown toenail, or onychocryptosis, is a common source of morbidity worldwide. The current standard of care focuses on the nail as the causative agent, and, in cases that are resistant to medical management, surgical correction via nail avulsion and phenol matrix ablation is used. Unfortunately, this treatment leads to poor cosmetic results, high rates of recurrence and low patient satisfaction.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed a case series of 124 consecutive patients who underwent surgical correction of ingrown toenails from 1988 to 2004. We recorded the operative technique and postoperative wound healing via photographs. We assessed outcomes and patient satisfaction using self-reports and 7-point Likert scale questionnaires.

Results

Our surgical approach involved the excision of excessive nail-fold granulation tissue with preservation of the nail and its matrix. In total, 72.5% of patients were under the age of 29 (69.4% men). Before surgical intervention, 78.8% of patients scored their pain as severe, 69.9% had difficulty wearing normal footwear and 64.3% had difficulty with normal activities because of their ingrown toenails. A total of 212 surgical sites were analyzed, with a median follow-up of 8 years. No recurrences were identified in any patients (100%, n = 124). Overall, 94.3% (n = 116) stated that they were highly satisfied with the procedure. Only 1.6% (n = 2) reported a loss of sensation at the surgical site.

Conclusion

Surgical correction of ingrown toenails via soft-tissue excision of the nail folds, coupled with preservation of the nail and its matrix, had excellent cosmetic results, no recurrences and high rates of patient satisfaction.Ingrown toenails are frequently encountered in clinical practice, with an estimated 10 000 new cases per year in the United Kingdom.¹ Young men are most frequently affected, and the associated morbidities have significant economic impact, secondary to decreased mobility and work absenteeism.^1,2 Currently, a wide variety of treatment options exist; however, they are associated with poor cosmetic results, low rates of patient satisfaction and high rates of recurrence.^1–5Initial treatment of an ingrown toenail, or onychocryptosis, is conservative management, including avoiding tight-fitting shoes and using warm water baths and soft compresses.⁶ Surgical intervention is ultimately required in refractory cases. Many approaches have been described, with most targeting the nail as the causative agent. Partial nail avulsion coupled with chemical destruction of the nail matrix (matricectomy) with phenol remains the most preferred surgical technique.^1,6–8Vandenbos and Bowers⁹ suggested that pressure necrosis of the soft tissue surrounding the nail contributes to the pathogenesis of ingrown toenails. Indeed, increased nail-fold skin width in patients with ingrown toenails, greater weight-bearing on the soft tissue of the nail fold and repetitive rotation of the toe have all been suggested to be important contributing factors.^8–10 A study by Pearson and colleagues¹¹ helped to draw the focus away from the nail as the causative agent. They reported no differences in the shape of the toenails among patients with ingrown toenails and healthy controls. It is tempting to speculate that the current surgical interventions that target the nail (i.e., nail avulsion and matricectomy) do not directly address the causative soft-tissue pathology.In this study, we used a modification of the surgical approach described by Vandenbos and Bowers⁹ in a large patient population to show that soft-tissue nail-fold resection leads to surgical correction of ingrown toenails. Our approach yields excellent cosmetic results with no recurrences and high rates of patient satisfaction. The treatment is cost effective, technically simple and can be performed easily in any physician’s office.     

A new anatomical repair method for the treatment of ingrown nail: prospective comparison of wedge resection of the matrix and partial matricectomy followed by lateral fold advancement flap

Currently, there are various surgical treatment modalities for ingrowing nail. None of these procedures are perfect to achieve esthetic results with low cost, recurrence, and complication rates. Eighty-seven toenails of 77 patients were operated in our clinic; 49 wedge matrix resections (WMR) and 38 partial matricectomy followed by lateral fold advancement flap (LFAF) were applied. Average follow-up period of the patients was 13 months. The recurrence rates, spicule formation, immobilization periods, and patient satisfaction for cosmetic result and discomforting symptoms were investigated. Nail, distal phalanx bone, soft tissue measurements were performed in the counterlateral healthy toe of 34 patients that we operated due to the unilateral ingrowing nail and 34 randomized individuals with no ingrowing nail by lateral and anteroposterior toe x-rays. There were no significant differences for age, sex, the side of the ingrowing nail, postoperative mobilization period, and the follow-up period between 2 groups that the techniques were applied to. There was no statistically significant difference in WMR (8.1%, 4 toes) and LFAF (none) for the recurrence rate. But there was significant difference between WMR (36.7%, 18 toes) and LFAF (5.2%, 2 toes) for the spicule formation rates (P < 0.05), and there was significant difference between WMR (20.4%, 10 toes) and LFAF (none) for the reoperation (P < 0.03). It was observed that patient satisfaction in cosmetic view was better in patient group treated with LFAF (P < 0.05). Phalanx heads were wider in patient group with ingrowing nail at the results of the measurements (P < 0.01). The fact that granulation and scarred tissues are removed instead of performing the great soft tissue excisions is more correct for both recurrence and cosmetics. Partial matricectomy and LFAF is a good alternative method for the treatment of ingrown nail, with less recurrence rates and cost and better cosmetic results.     

A Surgical Approach to Ingrown Nail: Partial Matricectomy Using CO2 Laser

BACKGROUND: Ingrown nail is a deformity characterized by a transverse overcurvature of the lateral nail plate that causes nail fold inflammation. Currently recommended surgical procedures vary considerably. OBJECTIVE: We report our experience with a modified partial matricectomy and nail edge excision with CO2 laser. METHODS: A total of 116 ingrown nail edges in 77 patients were treated with the procedure. RESULTS: The incidence of recurrence was 2 of 76 cases (2.6%). CONCLUSION: This new surgical approach was found to be effective and is presented as an alternative treatment technique.     

Zur Behandlung des eingewachsenen Zehennagels

In Germany,"Emmert plasty" is one of the terms most frequently used in daily surgical practice. It describes the wedge excision of nail fold, nail edge, and corresponding matrix for advanced stages of ingrown toenail in most standard textbooks of surgery but without direct reference to Emmert. The method, however,was apparently first described by the French military surgeon Baudens in 1850 and was strongly opposed by Emmert himself who propagated a pure soft tissue resection. This text gives a short historical review of the various treatment methods of ingrown toenails.     

Wedge excision of the nail fold in the treatment of ingrown toenail

Many treatment modalities of ingrown toenail are reported in the literature, often associated with unacceptably high recurrence rate. The authors present their technique, which aims at reducing the convexity of the nail fold. After complete removal of the nail plate and accurate debridement of the granulomatous tissue, a wedge-shaped ellipsis of skin and subcutaneous tissue, lateral to the affected nail fold, is removed. Approximation of the margins of the resulting defect determines eversion of the nail fold. One hundred twenty ingrown toenails were treated with the wedge excision of the nail fold at the outpatient clinic of the department of plastic surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy, between January 1998 and January 2002. Six recurrences were observed. In addition to the high cure rate, short postoperative pain duration, and morbidity as well as low risk of postoperative infection, the remarkable esthetic results achievable with this method are indicated.     

48例嵌趾甲的病因分析及手术治疗

目的探讨趾嵌趾甲的病因,介绍一种新的手术治疗方法。方法对1997年10月至2003年10月我科收治的趾嵌甲患者48例51趾患者均进行手术治疗,咬除末节趾骨末端爪粗隆部分,梭形切除趾端及趾甲两旁软组织。随访观察趾端及趾甲的外形、了解嵌甲复发情况。结果所有病例平均随访26个月,47例50趾嵌甲治愈,1例1趾复发,经再次手术后治愈。结论趾末节趾骨爪粗隆突上翘是形成趾嵌甲的原因之一,咬除趾骨末端爪粗隆并梭形切除趾端及甲根两旁软组织是治疗嵌甲的一种有效方法。     

�״����������������Ƕ��25������

??Deck orthopedic surgery in the treatment of cure obstinate ingrown nail: an analysis of 25 cases XIA Yue-shan*??ZHAO Hai-yong??MA Na .* Railway Central Hospital of Tangshan , Tangshan 063000??China
Corresponding author??ZHAO Hai-yong??E-mail??mana77@163.com
Abstract Objective To adopt a method for curing the obstinate ingrown nail by transplanting a soft tissue flap with a pedicel under the edge of the toenail in deck orthopedic surgery.??Methods The clinical data of deck orthopedic surgery to cure obstinate ingrown nail performed between February 2001 and June 2009 at Railway Central Hospital of Tangshan were analyzed. Remove prismatical skin at the edge of the toenail, design a soft tissue flap with a pedicel, strip off the edge of the toenail bed from the toebone, transplant a soft tissue flap with a pedicel under the edge of the toenail to alter the ingrowing toenai bed and deck deformity.??Results All cases of obstinate ingrown nail after the operation had recovered with satisfied results under 6 months to 1 years follow-up.??Conclusion The operation gets rid off the causes of obstinate ingrown first toenail, has few complications and few recurrences.     

Treatment of the ingrown toenail by phenol cauterization (ASLUF)

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and the ethiopatogenetic aspects of the ingrown toenail, treated by usual surgical technique versus phenol wedge cauterization (ASLUF). METHODS: From June 1990 to June 1999, 388 patients (218 male and 170 female patients, age range 9-90 years) were treated by 413 wedge ablation, surgical or chemical. After the operation, patients were controlled after 2 days, 1 week, 1 month, 6 months and 1 year. 109 patients were treated by usual surgical treatment, 260 patients by phenol cauterization (ASLUF), 19 by total ablation. RESULTS: 23 patients presented again ingrown toenail in the same place after few months, 20 patients after surgical treatment and 3 patients after phenol cauterization. All 23 patients were treated again without problems. CONCLUSIONS: In our personal opinion, the treatment of ingrown toenail is necessary soon, without the routine use of antibiotic therapy and the total ablation of the nail is not necessary. On this basis phenol wedge cauterization is the most suitable treatment for ingrown toenail with good cosmetic results, lower recurrence rate and from the functional point of view.     

Congenital ingrown toenail of the hallux

BACKGROUND: Ingrown toenail in the infant is a rare entity that has only occasionally been discussed in the medical literature. At birth, or soon thereafter, children present with bilateral ingrown hallux toenails notable for pain, tenderness, erythema, purulence, and hypertrophy of the skin and fat of the distal end of the great toes extending over the dorsum of the nail plates. Inflammatory and infectious granulation tissue develops with time. METHODS: We present a case series of 4 patients with bilateral congenitally ingrown hallux toenails. Conservative and surgical treatment modalities were used, with 3 of 4 patients undergoing wedge resection of the hypertrophic soft tissues at the distal end of the toes. RESULTS: There were excellent results in both feet of all patients with resolution of the condition and no recurrences in any patient. Clinical photos are provided for all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Ingrown toenail in the infant is a rare entity that occasionally requires surgical treatment. Excellent results are expected with wedge resection of the hypertrophic soft tissues.     

甲基质联合甲沟切除术治疗顽固性嵌甲症

目的探讨甲沟切除术治疗顽固性嵌甲及疗效。方法对68例顽固性嵌甲病人行患侧甲基质联合甲沟切除术，观察其疗效、复发率及并发症发生情况。结果68例中1例复发，2例出现伤121感染，其余65例疗效理想。结论甲沟切除术疗效确切，复发率低，是治疗顽固性嵌甲症的理想术式。     

甲基质联合甲沟切除重建术治疗嵌甲性甲沟炎

目的：探讨一种治疗嵌甲性甲沟炎的方法并讨论其临床意义。方法：切除嵌甲、炎性肉芽组织及部分患趾甲基质,同时重建甲沟。结果：重建甲沟形态良好,效果满意,复发率低。结论：甲基质联合甲沟切除重建术是治疗嵌甲症的理想方法。     

甲板及甲基质部分切除联合拇趾腹重建甲沟治疗嵌甲性甲沟炎

目的探讨甲板及甲基质部分切除联合拇趾腹重建甲沟治疗嵌甲性甲沟炎的临床疗效。方法对76例嵌甲性甲沟炎患者采用甲板及甲基质部分切除联合拇趾腹重建甲沟术治疗,评价治疗效果。结果 76例均获随访,时间8~12个月。2例复发残甲,总有效率达97.4%。结论采用甲板及甲基质部分切除联合拇趾腹重建甲沟术治疗嵌甲性甲沟炎操作简便,对趾甲损伤小,患者痛苦轻,并发症少,治愈率高。     

Surgical options in the management of ingrown toenails in paediatric age group

Background and objectiveThe problem of ingrown toenails is worldwide, affecting all age groups. The aim of this study was to review the different surgical modalities for ingrown toenails in the paediatric age group in a hospital.MethodsWe reviewed case series of 66 children with 89 affected toes, under 16 years of age. The patients were followed up for up to 18 months. The treatment methods practised were: (1) nail avulsion with or without nail matrix ablation using phenol and (2) wedge excision with or without nail matrix ablation using phenol or thermal ablation.ResultsWe found a recurrence rate of 3% for those treated with wedge excision alone compared to 30% when treated with wedge excision and phenol ablation (p = 0.001). Infection rate was also higher for wedge excision with phenol ablation. We achieved cure rate of 97% when using wedge excision alone and 70% when phenol was used for nail matrix ablation.ConclusionWe advocate wedge excision as primary treatment of ingrown toenails in children. We would not recommend phenol ablation of the nail matrix in younger patients as it increases both infection and recurrence rates. The results of nail bed ablation with diathermy appear promising.     

微创甲母质刮除术治疗嵌甲性甲沟炎206例术后疗效调查

目的：采用减少创伤,清除仅与疾病有关的肉芽、甲板、甲母质(nail matrix,或甲基质onychostroma)等病变组织术式治疗嵌甲性甲沟炎,并随访评估疗效。 方法：2010年-2013年6月,门诊手术治疗206例嵌甲性甲沟炎患者。术中剪除病变侧甲板3-4mm,并刮除与之相关的甲母质,刮出炎性肉芽,术后换药。 结果 术后随访6月-2年,复发13例,术后3月复发人数最多,复发率6.3%,优良率：93.6% 结论：微创甲母质刮出术,创伤小,手术简单,疗效满意,建议推广。     

Does Electrocauterization of the Matrix After the Wedge Resection of the Toe-Nail Affect Recurrence in Discrete Age Groups Differently? A Retrospective Analysis

The onychocryptosis, also known as ingrown toe-nails, is a painful, common disorder which is less common in children than in adults. The purpose of the present study was to focus on the effect of electrocautery matricectomy on recurrence rate and clinical outcomes in different age groups. We performed a retrospective assessment of 189 consecutive ingrown toe-nails surgeries. Electrocautery matricectomy was performed in 68 (49.2%) of 138 (73%) adults, 25 (49%) of 51 (27%) adolescents. Recurrence was observed in 11 (21.5%) adolescent patients, while recurrence was observed in 12 (8.6%) adult patients. Recurrence was observed in 9 (9.6%) of 93 patients in whom cautery was used, while 14 (14.5%) recurrences were observed in 96 patients who did not use cautery. When the adolescent patient group was evaluated separately, recurrence was observed in 2 (8%) of 25 patients in the cautery group, while recurrence was observed in 9 (34.6%) of 26 patients in the other group. EM addition to the wedge excision does not affect the results in adult patients, but it significantly reduces recurrence in adolescent patients. Especially in younger patients, it is recommended to complete the matricectomy with electrocoagulation.     

Modified Sleeve Method Treatment of Ingrown Toenail

BACKGROUND: Ingrown toenail is a common problem that causes inconvenience, pain, and limitation of daily function. Current conventional treatment methods are not satisfactory and have a high recurrence rate. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a modification of an existing, although uncommonly used, method for treating ingrown toenail. METHODS: Patients with ingrown toenail were treated under local anesthesia by insertion of a flexible narrow plastic tube under the toenail along its lateral border. Tube fixation was performed with silk or nylon 2-0 sutures passed through the toenail. Granulomatous and inflamed tissue was removed by electrocautery or local excision. RESULTS: Twenty-eight procedures were performed in 25 patients. In 20 procedures (71.4%), no recurrences were recorded; the other 8 procedures (28.6%), were symptomatic. CONCLUSION: This method for the treatment of ingrown toenail was found to be simple and efficient, with a relatively low recurrence rate. Therefore we currently advocate this procedure as the treatment of choice.     

Pincer Nails: Definition and Surgical Treatment

BACKGROUND: There are four main types of ingrown nail. These are distal nail embedding, juvenile (subcutaneous) ingrown nail, hypertrophy of the lateral nail fold (lip), and pincer nail. OBJECTIVE: The etiology of pincer nail may be hereditary or acquired. The mechanism of the most common form, an enlarged base of the distal bony phalanx, is discussed. METHODS: Use of roentgenogram and magnetic resonance imaging highlights exophytes of the base and dorsal hyperostosis of the distal phalanx. RESULTS: Global assessment may lead in mild cases to medical therapy. Usually, however, the lateral matrix horn must be surgically removed or cauterized by phenol. Dermal grafting under the nail matrix provides excellent long-term results.