Total Matricectomy and V-Y Advancement Flap Technique in the Treatment of Onychogryphosis

Comparative efficacy of modified Noel's technique and matrix phenolization on onychocryptosis: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Onychocryptosis is a common pathological condition requiring clinical intervention. Selecting an appropriate and effective treatment based on individual patient circumstances is crucial.

METHODS

We compared the efficacy and safety of the modified Noel's technique and matrix phenolization in 107 participants with onychocryptosis. Participants were divided into two groups: 75 nails (73 patients) were treated with the modified Noel's technique (modified Noel's group), while 42 nails (34 patients) were treated with matrix phenolization (Phenol group). Outcomes on clinical cure rates and postoperative complications from both groups were collected. Additionally, the efficacy of the modified Noel's technique was assessed in 31 nails with stage IV onychocryptosis.

RESULTS

After 18 months, among the remaining 102 patients (110 nails), the modified Noel's group exhibited fewer complications (5.88% vs. 45.2%, P < 0.001) with similar cure rates (P = 0.62). Furthermore, there was a shorter healing time in the modified Noel's group (13.5 ± 1.4 vs. 27.6 ± 2.3 days, P < 0.001). Postoperative pain was notable in the modified Noel's group on the first postoperative day (P < 0.001), with a significant decrease in the pain score 2 weeks after surgery (P = 0.407). Postoperative nail plate narrowing was observed in the Phenol group (33%). Moreover, the modified Noel's technique achieved a 100% cure rate in stage IV patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The modified Noel's technique, offering precise excision of the proliferative nail fold and strategic suturing, is suitable for stage IV patients and for those who find significant aesthetic impact unacceptable following narrowed plate postmatrix phenolization.

Electrodessication Matricectomy With Modified Hyfrecator Tip: Case Series and Literature Review

Nail matricectomy is indicated in the management of painful onychodystrophies, including recalcitrant onychocryptosis, onychogryphosis, onychauxis, and refractory onychomycosis. Although many matricectomy methods have been described, with phenolization being the best studied, no one method has clearly emerged as superior. We present a series of 14 patients who underwent a total of 18 matricectomies with either phenolization or electrodessication (ED) in a private dermatology office, and describe a simple and effective variation of the ED technique using a modified hyfrecator tip. A video demonstration of this technique is included. We also describe ED matricectomy in the context of a review of the literature, ascertaining recurrence rates, complication rates, healing time, and patient satisfaction. The nuances of technique specifics (such as the use of adjunct methods and antibiotics), as well as outcome predictors and measurements have been highlighted. We found ED to be comparable to other forms of matricectomy, with the advantages of ease of use, minimal complications, and good satisfaction rates.

The treatment of onychogryphosis of hand nails by total matricectomy and dorsal V-Y advancement flap

Objectives

This study aims to report the outcomes of dorsal V-Y advancement flap technique used for the reconstruction of surgical defects following total matricectomy performed for the onychogryphosis of hand nails.

Patients and methods

A total of 18 consecutive patients (10 males, 8 females; mean age 38.4 years; range, 24 to 41 years) with 20 onychogryphotic hand nails who underwent total matricectomy and dorsal V-Y advancement flap technique were analyzed retrospectively between June 2015 and March 2018. The Mann- Whitney U test was used to compare the pre- and postoperative Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick DASH) questionnaire scores while postoperative satisfaction rate was also evaluated.

Results

The mean follow-up period of the patients was 15.3 months. The etiology was finger trauma in eight and surgical complication of recurrent paronychia drainage in four cases, while the remaining six were idiopathic. The mean time to return to work was 5.2 weeks, and the mean pre- and postoperative Quick DASH scores were 0.97 and 3.45, respectively, with a statistically significant difference. The postoperative satisfaction was rated as excellent in 16, good in one, and moderate in one case.

Conclusion

The dorsal V-Y advancement flap technique can be performed reliably due to its good soft tissue coverage, satisfactory cosmetic and functional outcomes, and allowing a short time to return to work.

Onychogryphosis

BACKGROUND

Onychogryphosis is a nail disorder that can damage nail plates, usually caused by repeated minor trauma to the foot. Onychogryphosis of the toe is commonly seen in clinical practice; however, optimal treatment of the condition is still the subject of debate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes of patients with toe onychogryphosis treated by subcutaneous flap coverage after total matricectomy.

METHODS

In this article, we describe 12 patients who had onychogryphosis on the great toe treated by subcutaneous flap coverage after total matricectomy. There were eight men and four women, with a mean age of 63.8 years (range, 56-74 years).

RESULTS

The follow-up period ranged from 4 to 108 months, with an average of 25.2 months. All of the flap reconstructions ultimately survived.

CONCLUSIONS

The advantage of the described technique is the avoidance of tight closure of the skin and preservation of toe length. The possible limitation of the technique is poor blood circulation to the feet.

Onychogryphosis: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Onychogryphosis is a disorder of nail plate growth that is clinically characterized by an opaque, yellow-brown thickening of the nail plate with associated gross hyperkeratosis, elongation, and increased curvature. It is most common in older adults and patients with poor personal care. It is a relatively common and important condition because patients may suffer from pain, secondary complications, and cosmetic concerns. We present the case of a 67-year-old man with a 30-year history of severe thickening, abnormal growth, and yellow discoloration of his left great toenail, clinically consistent with onychogryphosis. This review highlights the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment options for onychogryphosis.