Segmental Phenolization for the Treatment of Ingrown Toenails: Technique Report, Follow Up of 150 Patients, and Review of The Literature

Background: Ingrown toenail is a common problem causing significant morbidity. Various procedures used for treating this painful condition were discussed in the literature. Objective: Through a prospective study we aimed to evaluate in a long-term follow-up the efficacy of partial nail plate avulsion combined with phenolic chemical matricectomy for the treatment of Ingrown toenails. Methods: We recruited outpatient from January 2012 to January 2014; all treated by phenol matricectomy and assured a regular follow up. Results: Consecutive 140 patients with a total of 158 Ingrown toenails were enrolled. There was no significant morbidity and the procedure was tolerated well by all patients. The short-term results were excellent. No severe complications occurred during the 6-month follow-up period. The overall recurrence was 2, 8 %. Conclusion: Phenol cauterization compared with other surgical ablation techniques may be the treatment of choice of Ingrown toenails. It’s an effective technique for the treatment of Ingrown toenails accompanied by less morbidity and lower recurrence rates.