Lateral Foldplasty with or without Partial Matricectomy for the Management of Ingrown Toenails

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.

Surgical interventions for ingrown toenail

BACKGROUND

Paronychia is a prevalent clinical disease affecting the soft tissue surrounding the nails. Most cases of toenail paronychia are commonly associated with ingrown toenails. While conservative treatment is effective for mild cases of ingrown toenails, surgical intervention becomes necessary for moderate to severe cases, particularly when granulomas form.

OBJECTIVE

To provide a systematic understanding of these classic and modified procedures for surgeons to select the appropriate surgical interventions for patients suffering from moderate to severe ingrown toenails and discuss this technology's advantages and limitations for dermatologic surgery.

METHODS

A literature search was performed using PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases. Studies discussing surgical intervention for ingrown toenails were included. Moreover, the surgical steps were meticulously depicted by detailed schematic diagrams.

RESULTS

These surgical techniques can be divided into three categories: matrix resection, debulking of periungual soft tissues, and the rotational flap technique. Each approach possesses distinct advantages and limitations.

CONCLUSION

For moderate to severe cases, surgical interventions may exhibit superior outcomes, faster recovery times, and lower recurrence rates. The surgeon must possess a comprehensive understanding and proficient skillset in various surgical techniques for ingrown toenails.

A novel modified Winograd surgical tricks and tips with a "bird flap" for the treatment of ingrown toenails

BACKGROUND

The Winograd technique is the most commonly used surgical treatment for ingrown toenails. We describe a novel modified approach, more effective and simpler to perform with a better cosmetic outcome.

METHODS

We retrospectively included 45 and 39 patients with 67 and 58 ingrown toenails who underwent our modified Winograd technique and the Winograd technique, respectively, from July 2017 to June 2020, and obtained data after 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up.

RESULTS

No significant differences in the postoperative time taken to return to regular activities in the modified Winograd and traditional Winograd groups (p = 0.103) and regarding the recurrence in both groups (p = 0.055) were found. The extent of proximal germinal matrix exposure with the modified Winograd technique was significantly more clearly revealed than in the traditional Winograd method contextually (p < 0.05). The postoperative appearance satisfaction rate was significantly higher in the modified Winograd group than in the traditional Winograd group (p = 0.029).

CONCLUSION

The modified Winograd technique is effective in treating ingrown toenails.

Controversies in the treatment of ingrown nails

Ingrown toenails are one of the most frequent nail disorders of young persons. They may negatively influence daily activities, cause discomfort and pain. Since more than 1000 years, many different treatments have been proposed. Today, conservative and surgical methods are available, which, when carried out with expertise, are able to cure the disease. Packing, taping, gutter treatment, and nail braces are options for relatively mild cases whereas surgery is exclusively done by physicians. Phenolisation of the lateral matrix horn is now the safest, simplest, and most commonly performed method with the lowest recurrence rate. Wedge excisions can no longer be recommended.