Partial matricectomy with a CO2 laser for ingrown toenail after nail matrix staining.

BACKGROUND: Ingrown toenail is a common nail disease that causes pain, discomfort, and difficulty in walking. It is treated with either conservative therapy or surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To present a new surgical approach to ingrown toenail.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: For 19 ingrown toenail borders of 14 toes in 14 patients (1 male and 13 females), the nail matrix was stained with methylene blue and then partial matricectomy was performed with a CO2 laser.

RESULTS: There was no recurrence at 18 nail borders after a mean follow-up period of 13.4 months, whereas a spike grew at one border but caused no walking pain. No serious complications occurred. Cosmetic improvement was also satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONS: Partial nail matricectomy with a CO2 laser after staining the nail matrix with methylene blue allows visual confirmation of the completeness of cauterization.