Objective To summarize the effectiveness of modified surgical repair for severe ingrown toenail. Methods Between January 2005 and December 2010, 13 patients with severe ingrown toenail (16 toes) were treated. There were 12 males (15 toes) and 1 female (1 toe), aged 18-32 years with an average of 20 years. The disease duration was 1-15 years (mean, 2 years and 9 months). All affected toes were great toes. Ingrown toenail occurred bilaterally in 3 cases and unilaterally in 10 cases. Granulation tissue surrounding nail-edge, embedded toenail, and necrotic nail bed were completely removed; tension glue was used to make wound edge close to nail bed. Results At 3-5 days after operation, wound congestion, swelling, and exudation were improved; at 7 days, new nail bed formed; at 2 weeks, all wounds healed, and nail bed was epitheliogenic, wound edge healed well close to nail plate, and patients returned to normal life. At 6 months after nail extraction, new toenail grew and nail groove formed. No recurrent sign was found during 24-month follow-up. Conclusion Modified surgical repair is one of effective methods to treat severe ingrown toenail with the advantages of good appearance and low recurrent rate.
Objective To investigate the clinical curative effect of distal phalanx of great toe and soft tissue orthopaedics for treatment of obstinateingrown nail. Methods From October 1997 to May 2006,31 patients(38 nails) suffering from obstinate ingrown nail were treated by the distal phalanx of great toe and soft tissue orthopaedics. There were 23 males(27 nails) and 8 females(11 nails) with an average age of 17.5 years(12-28 years). The disease course was 2years and 1 month to 14 years(average, 31-6 months). At the same time, thirty-eight patients with diseases of feet were selected randomly as controls. The depth of the nail groove was measured.The X-ray films were taken to calculate the rate of upward projection of tuberosity (r). Results Thedepth of the nail and r value of 31 patients were 2.87±0.31 mm and 0.149±0.013,respectively. There were statistically significant differences when compared with control group(1.06±0.10 mm and 0.060±0.019)(Plt;0.01). Thirty patients(37 nails) had a primary healing; 1 patient(1 nail) had a delayed healing. Twenty-nine patients(36 nails) were followed up for 8 to 29 months(average, 21 months). The appearance of the nail was satisfactory. No relapse occurred in all patients. Conclusion The upward projection of tuberosity of distal phalanx of great toe and deepened nail groove are the most important anatomical causes for ingrown nail. The distal phalanx of great toe and soft tissue orthopaedics is aneffective treatment for obstinate ingrown nail.