Treatment of ingrown toenail with proximolateral matrix partial excision and matrix phenolization.

PURPOSE: Ingrown toenail is one of the most common nail conditions. Although many surgical treatments are described for complicated cases, recurrence of pain and postoperative disability are common. We evaluated the long-term efficacy of proximolateral matrix partial excision followed by chemical matricectomy with phenol.

METHODS: We performed 348 proximolateral partial matricectomies and phenol ablations in 225 patients with stage 2 or 3 ingrown toenail. Patients were examined weekly until full wound healing was achieved and were observed for 24 months to assess the long-term efficacy of the treatment.

RESULTS: Short-term results were good. We observed only 1 recurrence during the 24-month follow-up period, at 8 months. The success rate was therefore 99.7%. No severe complications occurred. Cosmetic results were remarkably good.

CONCLUSIONS: Proximolateral partial matricectomy with phenol ablation is an excellent surgical method for the treatment of ingrown toenails, having low morbidity and a high success rate, even in the long term.