[Surgery for ingrowing toenails]

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Podiatry
• Surgical Science

Context:

• Ingrown toenail (onychocryptosis) is a common condition affecting the great toe, primarily in young adults.
• Surgical intervention is frequently necessary but associated with high recurrence rates.
• Existing surgical techniques lack universal consensus on effectiveness and esthetic outcomes.

Purpose:

• To review and present common surgical procedures for ingrown toenails.
• To discuss the challenges of achieving curative and esthetically acceptable results.
• To emphasize the role of surgeon skill and experience in managing this condition.

Summary:

• Ingrown toenail surgery presents challenges due to high recurrence rates and potential functional and esthetic deficits.
• No single surgical method is universally recognized as superior for treating ingrown toenails.
• The choice and success of surgical procedures depend significantly on the surgeon's expertise.

Impact:

• Provides a comprehensive overview of surgical options for ingrown toenails.
• Highlights the importance of considering both functional and esthetic outcomes in treatment planning.
• Informs clinicians and patients about the complexities and success factors in ingrown toenail surgery.