Knot technique: a new treatment of ingrown nails

Ingrown nails are a painful problem that affects all ages, particularly the young, and it may become chronic if not treated.

A new technique was used to treat patients with Stages 2 and 3 ingrown nails in whom conservative and surgical methods were attempted.

A total of 30 patients presenting with Stages 2 and 3 ingrown nails to the clinic between 2010 and 2012 were included. A wedge excision of the upper and lower soft tissues of the nail was performed. The wound margins were simply sutured with 2/0 polypropylene. Approximately 8 to 10 knots were tied without cutting the stitches under the nail. These knots were used to push the soft tissue down and to raise the nail. This was achieved by placing a knot under the nail after the needle had been passed inside the nail, without cutting the suture before another knot was tied above the nail. Therefore, the ingrown part of the nail was raised.

Patients were followed up for 20 months (range, 10-24 months). Relapse was observed in only 1 patient. No infection was observed, and none of the patients required additional surgery.

Stages 2 and 3 ingrown nails can also be safely treated with this technique.