Ercan Çetinus1, Murat Uzel1, Erkal Bilgiç1, Sezai Şaşmaz2, Özer Arıcan2, Ahmet Karaoğuz1

1Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Medicine Faculty of Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University, Kahramanmaraş
2Department of Dermatology, Medicine Faculty of Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University, Kahramanmaraş

Keywords: Hallux/surgery; nails, ingrown/surgery; recurrence.

Abstract

Objectives: There are many options for the treatment of ingrown toenail, ranging from simple conservative approaches to extensive surgical procedures, but stage 3 ingrown toenails are best treated surgically. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of lateral wedge resection described by Mogensen in patients with ingrown toenail of the great toe.
Patients and methods: The study included 21 consecutive patients (11 females, 10 males; mean age 23±10 years; range 12 to 45 years) who were treated with the Mogensen’s lateral wedge resection technique for stage 3 ingrown toenails. A total of 37 ingrown nail edges were treated and all were located at the lateral aspect of the toe. Infection was present in five patients and granulation tissue was present in all the patients. Eight patients underwent one or more unsuccessful surgical nail procedures at another center. Recurrences and satisfaction level of the patients were evaluated during a mean follow-up period of 34 months (range 14 to 58 months).
Results: No significant complications occurred. In 35 procedures (94.6%), no recurrences were recorded and 19 patients (90.5%) were satisfied with the treatment, with relief of their symptoms. Two lesions (5.4%) recurred in two patients (9.5%).
Conclusion: Lateral wedge resection technique is a successful surgical treatment of stage 3 ingrown toenails, with a relatively low recurrence rate and high levels of patient satisfaction.