title: Partial Removal of Nail Matrix in the Treatment of Ingrown Nails: Prospective Randomized Control Study Between Curettage and Electrocauterization.
abstract: The aim of this study was to compare the result of electrocauterization and curettage, which can be done with basic instruments. Patients with ingrown nail were randomized to 2 groups. In the first group, nail matrix was removed by curettage, and the second group, nail matrix was removed by electrocautery. A total of 61 patients were enrolled; 32 patients were operated by curettage, and 29 patients were operated by electrocautery. Wound infections, as early complication, were found in 15.6% (5/32) of the curettage group, 10.3% (3/29) of the electrocautery group patients each (P = .710). Nonrecurrence was observed in 93.8% (30/32) and 86.2% (25/29) of the curettage and electrocautery groups, respectively, (lower limit of 1-sided 90% confidence interval = -2.3% > -15% [noninferiority margin]). To remove nail matrix, the curettage is effective as well as the electrocauterization. Further study is required to determine the differences between the procedures.
authors.affiliation: Armed Forces Goyang Hospital, Goyang-si, Korea.
authors.forename: Maru
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Armed Forces CBR Defense Command, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: In-Guk
authors.initials: IG
authors.lastname: Song
authors.affiliation: St Vincent Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon-si, Korea hj@catholic.ac.kr.
authors.forename: Hyung Jin
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003475:Curettage / Q000379:methods*; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009262:Nails / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D009263:Nails, Ingrown / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: curettage; electrocauterization; ingrown nails; treatment