Objective: Ingrown toenail (Onychocryptosis); caused by the nail plate growing into the lateral/medial nail fold is a common health problem characterized by pain, exudation, and granulation tissue formation. In advanced cases, partial/total nail plate excision and matrixectomy were performed. This study aimed to compare the clinical results of open versus closed partial nail plate excision and surgical partial matrixectomy in ingrown toenails.
Methods: We compared the results of patients who underwent open (n=51) or closed (n=44) partial nail plate excision and surgical partial matrixectomy by two surgeons with the diagnosis of ingrown toenails in our hospital between 2016-2021 and had at least a 1-year follow-up. The recurrence, wound problems, time to return to work/school, general and cosmetic satisfaction of the cases were examined.
Results: No recurrence was observed in either group. Wound problem/superficial infection was observed in 3 cases in the open matrixectomy group. Return to work/school was 17.8±2.7 days in the open surgery group, while it was 14.4±1.4 days in the closed group (p<0.001). While the general satisfaction of the patients was the same in both groups, their cosmetic satisfaction was higher in the closed group (4.8±04 vs. 4.2±0.7) (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Partial nail plate excision and surgical partial matrixectomy are effective and safe methods in ingrown nails. A closed procedure might increase cosmetic satisfaction as well as reduce the time to return daily activities.