Matricectomy with Electrocautery as Therapy for Recurrent Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails are one of the common nail problems generally occurs in the big toe area and most often occurs during productive ages. Treatment of ingrowing toenail can be chosen based on the clinical condition of the patient. Nonoperative therapy is not effective in advanced cases in terms of the severity. Improper handling will cause recurrence in this case.

Six of 8 patients had the ingrown toenail recurrence previously treated using the nail avulsion (onychectomy) without matricectomy. One patient was reported to have hemophilia as comorbidity. The other one had pincer nail associated with inflammatory and degenerative processes. Most patients were at modified Mozena grades III and IV ingrown toenail. Post therapy evaluation revealed no recurrence in all patients.

Combination of wedge resection with matricectomy using electrocautery can be applied as therapy for recurrent ingrown toenail.