A simple procedure with nail preservation for ingrowing toe-nails.

Area of Science:

• Podiatric surgery
• Dermatological surgery

Background:

• Ingrowing toenails (onychocryptosis) have numerous treatments, indicating a lack of a universally effective procedure.
• Current methods often have high failure rates, necessitating exploration of alternative surgical options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and assess a novel, simple surgical procedure for ingrowing toenails that preserves the nail.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the transposition flap technique for onychocryptosis.

Main Methods:

• A transposition flap of the nail wall was created after curettage of granulation tissue in the nail groove.
• Eighty-two patients underwent the procedure over three years; outcomes for 63 were assessed 18 months to 3 years post-surgery.
• A total of 120 operations were performed.

Main Results:

• The overall success rate for the procedure was 110 out of 120 operations (92%).
• The treatment was found to be effective and well-tolerated by patients.
• The surgical technique was not technically difficult to perform.

Conclusions:

• The described transposition flap technique is a highly effective and safe treatment for ingrowing toenails.
• With a 92% success rate and minimal technical difficulty, this method should be considered an alternative to current treatments.
• Nail preservation is achieved, potentially improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.