Effect of curettage after segmental phenolization in the treatment of onychocryptosis: a randomized double-blind clinical trial

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials of surgical treatments for ingrown toenails part II: healing time, post-operative complications, pain, and participant satisfaction

BACKGROUND

When performing nail surgery, clinicians must choose from a multitude of procedures and variations within each procedure. Much has been published to guide this decision making, but there are a lack of up to date robust systematic reviews to assess the totality of this evidence.

METHODS

Five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science and CENTRAL) and two registers (Clinicaltrials.gov and ISRCTN) were searched to January 2022 for randomised trials evaluating the effects of a surgical intervention(s) for ingrown toenails. Two independent reviewers screened records, extracted data, assessed risk of bias and certainty of evidence. Data on co-primary outcomes of symptom relief and symptomatic regrowth were presented in our first paper. This paper presents data for the secondary outcomes and further discussion.

RESULTS

Of 3,928 records identified, 36 randomised trials were included in the systematic review. Healing time appears to be reduced with shorter application of phenol. A reduced healing time was also apparent was with the addition of curettage, although this may also increase the risk of post-operative bleeding and pain. Post operative bleeding was also reportedly lower in people who received local anaesthetic with epinephrine but no tourniquet. Use of phenol with nail bed excision may decrease the risk of infection. Lower pain scores were reported when using partial matrixectomy and surgical interventions with phenol. Shorter duration of pain was reported with phenolisation and wedge resection. Participant satisfaction was high overall.

CONCLUSION

This second paper reports secondary outcomes from a robust systematic review of randomised trials on surgical treatment of ingrown toenails. Despite the large volume of clinical trials conducted on the topic, few clinical conclusions can be drawn due to the poor quality of these studies. Further high-quality clinical trials are needed to answer fundamental questions in the surgical treatment of ingrown toenails.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials on surgical treatments for ingrown toenails part I: recurrence and relief of symptoms

BACKGROUND

Ingrown toenails are a common nail pathology. When conservative treatments are ineffective, a surgical approach is often utilised. Despite recent narrative reviews, there is a need for an up-to-date and rigorous systematic review of surgical methods for treating ingrown toenails.

METHODS

Five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science and CENTRAL) and two registers (Clinicaltrials.gov and ISRCTN) were searched to January 2022 for randomised trials evaluating the effects of a surgical intervention(s) for ingrown toenails with a follow-up of at least 1 month. Two independent reviewers screened records, extracted data, assessed risk of bias and certainty of evidence.

RESULTS

Of 3,928 records identified, 36 (3,756 participants; 62.7% males) surgical interventions were included in the systematic review and 31 studies in the meta-analysis. There was very low quality evidence that using phenol with nail avulsion vs nail avulsion without phenol reduces the risk of recurrence (risk ratio [RR] 0.13 [95% CI 0.06 to 0.27], p < 0.001). No favourable effect was observed between chemical or surgical vs conservative management (0.55 [0.19 to 1.61], p = 0.280; 0.72 [0.33 to 1.56], p = 0.410), chemical or surgical vs other (e.g., CO2 laser, electrocautery) (1.61 [0.88 to 2.95], p = 0.120; 0.58 [0.25 to 1.37], p = 0.220), chemical vs surgical (0.75 [0.46 to 1.21], p = 0.230), surgical vs surgical (0.42 [0.21 to 0.85]), chemical vs chemical (0.19 [0.01 to 3.80], p = 0.280), surgical vs surgical + chemical (3.68 [0.20 to 67.35], p = 0.380), chemical vs surgical + chemical (1.92 [0.06 to 62.30], p = 0.710), local anaesthetic vs local anaesthetic + adrenaline (1.03 [0.22 to 4.86], p = 0.970), chemical timings 30 s vs 60 s (2.00 [0.19 to 21.41]) or antibiotics vs no antibiotics (0.54 [0.12 to 2.52], p = 0.430). Central toenail resection was the only procedure to significantly relieve symptoms (p = 0.001) but data were only available up to 8 weeks post-surgery.

CONCLUSION

Despite the high number of publications, the quality of research was poor and the conclusions that can be inferred from existing trials is limited. Phenolisation of the nail matrix appears to reduce the risk of recurrence following nail ablation, and with less certainty 1 min appears to be the optimum time for application. Despite this being a widely performed procedure there remains a lack of good quality evidence to guide practice.

Effectiveness of hyaluronic acid in post-surgical cures following partial matricectomies with the phenol/alcohol technique: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Post-operative cures with hyaluronic acid (HA) could potentially shorten the period recovery involved in the phenol technique for ingrown toenail. The aim of this study was therefore to compare a standard healing protocol with the experimental one based on hyaluronic acid cream.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

70 patients who had undergone phenol technique surgery for ingrown toenail were divided into two groups - control (n = 35) who received post-operative cures following the standard protocol with povidone iodine gel, and experimental (n = 35) who received cures with HA in the first 3 visits. Bleeding, total healing time, and perceived pain were assessed.

RESULTS

Patients in the control group recovered from the intervention in a total of 26.17 ± 7.75 days, while those in the HA group recovered in a significantly shorter time - 22.42 ± 2.41 days (p = 0.007, effect size 0.653). However, there were no between-group statistical differences in bleeding or perceived pain over the course of the post-surgery visits.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid is effective in reducing the phenol-technique healing time by 4 days compared with the standard cure. However, no extra effects such as reductions in bleeding or perceived pain can be expected in choosing this healing protocol.

Hemostatic Efficacy of Absorbable Gelatin Sponges for Surgical Nail Matrixectomy after Phenolization-A Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Some studies have recommended combining germinal matrix excision with phenol ablation in the treatment of onychocryptosis. Matrixectomy after phenolization has been shown to be an effective modification to reduce the drawbacks associated with phenolization alone, although it increases the risk of minor postoperative bleeding. The present study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of gelatin sponges as hemostatic agents in partial matrixectomy after phenolization. Methods: A comparative clinical trial in parallel groups was designed in 74 halluces (44 patients) with stage I, II, and III onychocryptosis. All participants were randomly assigned to 3 groups: Group A (control group), Group B (conventional gelatin sponge), and Group C (high porosity gelatin sponge). Results: The quantified mean blood loss in the first 48 h after surgery in patients in both experimental groups was significantly lower compared to the control group. The lowest mean blood loss was recorded in Group C (p < 0.001) and followed by Group B (p = 0.005). No adverse effects were recorded in any of the patients included in the experimental groups. Conclusions: Hemostatic gelatin sponges were demonstrated to be effective and safe devices for the control of minor postoperative bleeding associated with matrixectomy after segmental phenolization.

Efficacy and safety of phenol based partial matricectomy in treatment of onychocryptosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Chemical matricectomy is an established treatment modality of onychocryptosis. In this meta-analysis we studied the efficacy and safety profile of phenol-based matricectomy. We performed an electronic data base search of PubMed, EMBASE and gray literature using the search terms "(onychocryptosis OR ingrown toe nail) AND (phenol OR chemical matricectomy)" from inception till 31-12-2020, for controlled clinical trials with phenol in one of the treatment arms and at least 10 participants in each arm. From the initial search of 335, eighteen articles were included in the final analysis. There were a total of 1655 patients, of which 856 received phenol as an intervention modality. We found that nail matrix phenolisation was associated with a 49 fewer number of recurrences per thousand patients compared to other modalities (OR: 0.28 - 0.57, CI 95%). It also had a reduction of 175 cases of discharge or hemorrhage per thousand patients compared to other modalities (OR:0.25, 95% CI:0.14 to 0.45). However, we found that TCA and NaOH based matricectomies fared better compared to phenol in incidence of postoperative discharge and hemorrhage. Patients also experienced less pain (257 fewer number per 1000, OR: 0.52, 95% CI:0.43 to 0.63). Nearly half of the included studies had some concerns about the risk of bias. As of now, phenol matricectomy combines a low recurrence rate with favourable adverse effect profile and is the preferred modality for matricectomy in grade II and III onychocryptosis.

Effect of Phenol Application Time in the Treatment of Onychocryptosis: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Background: In the treatment of Onychocryptosis, chemical matricectomy with 88% phenol solution is one of the most common surgical procedures due to a recurrence rate of less than 5%, but it may produce a delay in healing time. The objective was to compare the healing time between phenol applications of 30 or 60 s. Methods: A comparative, prospective, parallel, randomized, and blinded clinical trial was registered with the European Clinical Trials Database. Twenty-seven patients (54 feet) with 108 affected nail folds were randomized and treated with chemical matricectomy with phenol. Each hallux was randomly assigned to one of two groups (60 vs. 30 s phenolization). Each patient and one investigator were blinded to the phenol application time in each foot. The outcome measurements were healing time, recurrence, pain, post-surgical bleeding, inflammation, and infection rate. Results: The 30 s application presents a shorter healing time (14.93 ± 2.81 days vs. 22.07 ± 3.16 days; p < 0.001) with a similar recurrence rate (p = 0.99). Post-operatory bleeding, pain, inflammation, and the infection rate did not show significant differences (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The 30 s phenol application time offers a shorter healing time than 60 s without affecting the effectiveness of the procedure, showing the same rate of complications.

A Minimally-Invasive, Simple, Rapid, and Effective Surgical Technique for the Treatment of Ingrown Toenails: A Reminder of the Original Winograd Procedure

(1) Background: Ingrown toenail is a common disorder of the toe that induces severe toe pain and limits daily activities. The Winograd method, the most widely used operative modality for ingrown toenails, has been modified over years to include wedge resection of the nail fold and complete ablation of the germinal matrix. We evaluated the outcomes of original Winograd procedure without wedge resection with electrocautery-aided matrixectomy. (2) Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of patients who underwent surgery for ingrown toenails at a university hospital for two years from November 2015 to October 2017. Surgery was performed in 76 feet with a mean operation time of 9.34 min. (3) Results: The minimal interval from surgery to return to regular activities was 13.26 (range 7 to 22) days. Recurrence and postoperative wound infections were found in 3 (3.95%) and 2 (2.63%) patients, respectively. Evaluation of patient satisfaction at one-year follow-up showed that 40 (52.63%) patients were very satisfied, 33 (43.42%) were satisfied, 3 (3.95%) were dissatisfied, and none of them were very dissatisfied. The average follow-up duration was 14.66 (range 12 to 25) months. (4) Conclusions: Therefore, it is believed that this less-invasive and simple procedure could be easily performed by clinicians, with satisfactory patient outcomes.

The Treatment of Ingrown Nail: Chemical Matricectomy With Phenol Versus Aesthetic Reconstruction. A Single Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

In onychocryptosis surgery, incisional and non-incisional matricectomy is indicated according to the stage. The chemical matricectomy with 88% phenol solution is the gold standard and a wedge resection is indicated for more advanced stages. The aesthetic reconstruction has the advantages of the incisional procedure without eponychium incisions and an effectiveness similar to the chemical matricectomy with phenol.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the recurrence and the healing time between the chemical matricectomy with phenol and the aesthetic reconstruction.

METHODS

A comparative, prospective, parallel, randomized, and one-blinded clinical trial was registered with the European Clinical Trials Database (EudraCT) with identification number 2019-001294-80. Thrity-four patients (56 feet) with 112 onychocryptosis were randomized in two groups. Thirty-six were treated with chemical matricectomy with phenol and 76 with aesthetic reconstruction. Each patient was blind to the surgical procedure assigned by the investigator. The primary outcome measurements were healing time and recurrence. The secondary outcome measurements were post-surgical bleeding, pain, inflammation, and infection rate.

RESULTS

The aesthetic reconstruction procedure presents a shorter healing time (8.2 ± 1.4 days vs. 21.3 ± 3.1 days; p < 0.001) with a similar recurrence rate (p = 0.98). Post-operatory bleeding, pain, inflammation, and the infection rate did not show significant differences (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The aesthetic reconstruction presents a shorter healing time, favoring the patients' recuperation, with a recurrence similar to the chemical matricectomy with 88% phenol solution.

Influence of smoking on wound healing in patients undergoing nail matrix phenolization: a prospective randomized clinical study

PURPOSE

To enhance the learner's competence with knowledge of the effect of smoking on wound healing in patients undergoing nail matrix phenolization.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This continuing education activity is intended for physicians and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.

OBJECTIVES

After participating in this educational activity, the participant should be better able to:1. Summarize factors that affect wound cicatrization and pathophysiologic mechanisms of impaired healing from smoking as found in prior studies from review of the literature.2. Analyze components and findings of this research study on how healing from phenol ablation is influenced by smoking.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE

Healing time can be delayed by extrinsic factors such as smoking. No controlled study has analyzed the influence of smoking on wound healing in patients undergoing nail matrix phenolization. The main objective of this work was to analyze wound healing burns after segmental phenolization in smoker versus nonsmoker patients; the secondary aim was to examine the influence of curettage in both groups.

DESIGN

In a prospective clinical study, 90 podiatric patients (53 smokers and 37 nonsmokers) with onychocryptosis were randomized to 1 of 2 treatment arms: phenolization with curettage and phenolization alone. The primary outcome was to analyze the healing time (in days) after the segmental phenolization in both groups. Healing was monitored for spontaneous wound closure by clinical assessments and by digital photographs.

MAIN RESULTS

The healing time in the curettage group was (8.80 ± 1.51 days in smokers vs 6.72 ± 1.26 days in nonsmokers; P < .0001) and (13.24 ± 1.8 days in the smoker group vs 10.67 ± 1.78 days in the nonsmoker group; P < .0001) in the phenolization alone group. Significant differences were found in respect to time to healing among smokers in both groups (13.24 ± 1.8 days in the phenolization group vs 8.80 ± 1.51 days in the curettage group; P < .0001). Similarly, significant differences were found with respect to time to healing among nonsmokers in both groups (10.46 ± 2.04 days in the phenolization group vs 6.71 ± 1.11 days in the curettage group; P = .0001).

CONCLUSION

Burn wounds of smokers take longer to heal than those of nonsmokers. Curettage of the cauterized tissue reduces healing time and should be systematically considered.

Anaesthetic digital block with epinephrine vs. tourniquet in ingrown toenail surgery: a clinical trial on efficacy

BACKGROUND

Current evidence shows that anaesthetic digital block with epinephrine is safe in surgical selected patients. There are no controlled studies that have examined the efficacy of local anaesthesia with vasoconstrictor in chemical matricectomy without using tourniquet to control bleeding.

OBJECTIVES

A controlled, prospective and randomized study was conducted to examine primarily the rate of recurrence after segmental phenolization matricectomy with anaesthetic digital block with epinephrine vs. tourniquet. As secondary aims, duration of anaesthetic effect, post-operative bleeding and pain were analysed in both groups.

METHODS

Forty-four healthy subjects with ingrown hallux nails (70 toes) were enrolled. A total of 34 toes were anaesthetized with a solution of 2% mepivacaine with (1 : 100,000) epinephrine and operated without tourniquet (experimental group) vs. 36 toes anesthetized with a solution of 2% mepivacaine without epinephrine and operated with tourniquet (control group).

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in recurrence rates (P = 0.478). Post-operative bleeding was significantly higher in the group with anaesthetic digital block without vasoconstrictor and with tourniquet (P = 0.001). Anaesthetic effect was higher in the group with anaesthetic digital block with vasoconstrictor and without tourniquet (P = 0.001). No post-operative complications occurred in any of the treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of local anaesthetic with vasoconstrictor to perform chemical matricectomy likely to be an effective procedure to reduce the disadvantages of using digital tourniquet (post-operative bleeding and lower anaesthetic effect) without increasing the risk of recurrence. The addition of epinephrine may reduce the need for a tourniquet and produce better and longer perioperative pain control.