title: Partial matrix excision or orthonyxia for ingrowing toenails.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We wanted to evaluate whether partial matrix excision and orthonyxia are equally effective in the treatment of ingrown toenails of the hallux.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a prospective randomized clinical trial with 12-month observer-blinded followup, in the surgical outpatient department of a teaching hospital. We randomized 105 consecutive patients with a total of 109 ingrown toenails to either partial matrix excision (n=58) or an orthonyxia procedure (n=51). The main outcomes measurements were rate of recurrence after 12 months, postoperative morbidity, and time to complete recovery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The 12-month followup was completed in 55 of 58 patients undergoing partial matrix excision and 47 of 51 patients having orthonyxia. There were four ingrown toenails, four recurrences in the partial matrix excision group, and eight in the orthonyxia group (NS, p=0.14). Postoperative morbidity parameters (redness, pus, postoperative bleeding); time to complete recovery, wearing shoes (p < 0.01), and performing activities of daily living and hobbies; postoperative symptoms; and patient satisfaction all favored orthonyxia.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Partial matrix excision and orthonyxia are equally effective treatments for ingrown toenails. But the orthonyxia procedure showed better results, with less postoperative morbidity, shorter time to complete recovery, fewer postoperative symptoms, and greater patient satisfaction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Schelto
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kruijff
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: van Det
authors.forename: Gretha T
authors.initials: GT
authors.lastname: van der Meer
authors.forename: Inez C M A E
authors.initials: IC
authors.lastname: van den Berg
authors.forename: Job
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: van der Palen
authors.forename: Robert H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Geelkerken
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006214:Hallux; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009263:Nails, Ingrown / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D016896:Treatment Outcome