A minimally invasive surgical approach for ingrown toenails: partial germinal matrix excision using operative microscope

Abstract

There are various methods for surgical treatment of ingrown toenails. The aim of surgery is to remove the partial germinal matrix completely, but with minimal invasiveness. In previously reported methods, the surgical procedures have been invasive, and it is uncertain whether the partial germinal matrix is completely removed. A new, less-invasive surgical approach--partial germinal matrix excision using operative microscope--is reported. Seventy-seven lesions of 56 ingrown toenails in 46 patients were treated with this method. Under an operative microscope, the germinal matrix was excised completely, but with minimal invasiveness. No cases of recurrence or spicule formation occurred, and the time required for wound healing was about 2 weeks. This method is less-invasive compared with traditional methods and is effective for the treatment of ingrown toenails. This method could be an alternative treatment technique.