Lumps, Bumps and Others

Cysts & masses :: Ingrown toe nail surgery :: Carpal tunnel syndrome & surgical release

Ingrown toe nail surgery

Ingrown toenail is a very common and painful condition of the toe. It occurs when the sides or corner of the nail grow inwards and penetrates into the skin of the toe. Pain is often accompanied by swelling and redness. The condition is known as oncychocryptosis or unguis incarnates. It is often seen in adults than children and is common in men than women.

Untreated oncychocryptosis may lead to an infection or even an abscess that necessitates surgical treatment. Matricectomy is a technique of removal of all or part of the base nail portion (nail matrix) using chemical, electrical, or surgical method. Matricectomy is of two types–complete and lateral matricectomy.

Complete matricectomy is a technique where entire nail matrix is removed and it results in permanent nail loss. Lateral matricectomy is surgical removal of portion of the nail bed which is performed in more aggressive and debilitating cases. This procedure is considered as a choice for treatment of chronic or recurrent ingrown toe nails.

Ingrown toenail surgery is the best option to prevent the condition from recurring. The surgery should be considered when other local treatments have failed. Infection or abscess is drained from the end of the toe and extra tissue grown around the nail is removed. Ingrown toenail can cause open wound and could develop tetanus, a tetanus immunization will be given. Ingrown toe nail is cut along the edge and is pulled out. A small electrical charge or a liquid solution is applied to the exposed part of the nail bed to prevent the growth of toe nail again into the skin. This procedure is called nail ablation.
The surgery may cause permanent nail deformity or may give poor cosmetic appearance.

Instructions after surgery may include:

Feet should be soaked in warm water
Antibiotic ointment should be applied
Loosely fitting shoes should be worn for the first 2 weeks
The wound should be kept clean and dry
Pain medications should be taken as directed