Evaluation of the Recurrence Rate of Ingrown Toenail After a 45-Second Matrix Cauterization With Phenol.

Introduction: Ingrown toenail is a very common nail disorder, and partial matricectomy by phenolization is considered the most effective treatment technique. However, the contact time of the phenol with the nail matrix remains debatable.

Objective: To evaluate the recurrence rate of ingrown toenail after partial matricectomy by phenol for 45 seconds.

Methods: A total of 1,460 surgeries were performed, with a photographic record of 802 pictures for a period of 6 months. The presence of any nail spicule or sign of ingrowth during follow-up was considered a recurrence.

Results: A total of 802 surgeries were evaluated, with the most affected nails being the right (49.3%) and left (48%) big toes and most frequently the lateral fold (54.5%). The recurrence rate was 0.75% at 3 months and 1.87% at 6 months, and the medial nail fold had a higher recurrence rate than the lateral nail fold.

Conclusion: Forty-five seconds of contact time of 88% phenol with the nail matrix was enough and effective, resulting in low recurrence rates. Prospective studies are needed to better assess postoperative morbidity.