Nail tube splinting method versus lateral nail avulsion with phenol matricectomy: a prospective randomized comparative clinical trial for ingrown toenail treatment.

BACKGROUND: Ingrown toenail (IGTN) is a common problem that can affect walking and can preclude daily activities.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and efficacy of lateral nail avulsion with phenolization (LNAP) versus sleeve (nail tube splinting) surgical techniques in the treatment of IGTN.

METHODS: Patients older than 15 years with IGTN were included. Patients were evaluated for the duration and severity of pain, drainage, complete healing periods, recurrence rate, and overall success rate. Assessment was performed at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months. Complications were noted.

RESULTS: A total of 53 patients, including 46 males (87.8%), were treated. The mean age was 27.7 ± 1.3 years. Thirty patients underwent LNAP, and 23 underwent sleeve methods. The surgical success rate, defined as >90% improvement, was found to be 80% to 82% for both groups. Recurrence was observed in only 1 patient of each group. None of the observed differences in healing, discharge, and recovery were statistically significant except in reporting shoe-wear discomfort, which was shorter in the sleeve group (p < .05). Postoperative pain experience was also noted to be less in the sleeve group (p = .057).

CONCLUSION: Both methods, LNAP and sleeve, seem to be equally effective for the treatment of IGTNs. Postoperative shoe-wearing discomfort and pain are shorter when the sleeve method was used.