Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to propose a rational treatment protocol according to basic surgical principles, anatomy of the nail bed, and etiological factors. Ingrown toenails have been discussed in medical literature for more than 1300 years. The condition commonly affects young adults and may result in significant morbidity in terms of loss of days from work, education, and recreation. The anatomy and physiology of the nail bed are presented to promote better selection of the proper management procedure. Ingrown toenails can be classified in terms of congenital or acquired causes. A surgical protocol, along with a description of each surgical technique, is supplied. The pathology of onychogryphosis is classified in terms of involvement of the germinal matrix, the sterile matrix, or both. Treatment is determined by the severity and underlying medical condition of the patient.
Keywords: toe nails, ingrown, onychogryphosis, treatment protocol
Full text
PDFImages in this article
Selected References
These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.
- Gabriel S. S., Dallos V., Stevenson D. L. The ingrowing toenail: a modified segmental matrix excision operation. Br J Surg. 1979 Apr;66(4):285–286. doi: 10.1002/bjs.1800660423. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Jarrett A., Spearman R. I. The histochemistry of the human nail. Arch Dermatol. 1966 Nov;94(5):652–657. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Kouskoukis C. E., Scher R. K. Onychogryphosis. J Dermatol Surg Oncol. 1982 Feb;8(2):138–140. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.1982.tb00251.x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Lathrop R. G. Ingrowing toenails: causes and treatment. Cutis. 1977 Jul;20(1):119–122. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Murray W. R., Bedi B. S. The surgical management of ingrowing toenail. Br J Surg. 1975 May;62(5):409–412. doi: 10.1002/bjs.1800620522. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Murray W. R. Onychocryptosis: principles of non-operative and operative care. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1979 Jul-Aug;(142):96–102. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]