Ship-shaped resection with nail matrix destruction: an improved and aesthetical surgical approach for grade II/III ingrown toenails.

Background: Ingrown nails may cause progressively aggravated pain, discomfort and immobility. We modified the traditional Winograd procedure and proposed an improved surgical method which is ship-shaped resection along with nail matrix destruction. We evaluate the clinical outcome of this improved approach, especially in terms of recurrence and healing time as well as the aesthetical outcomes.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 200 consecutive patients with grade II/III ingrown toenails were operated using this method from November 2020 to November 2022. Follow-up data were obtained from routine outpatient clinic controls at postoperative days 1, 14, 30 and 90, as well as a follow-up phone call 1 year after the surgery.

Results: The average operation time was 30 min (range 20-33). There was no important complication except some bleeding. All of these cases were managed well with a complete recovery. The healing time was 12.5 days (range: 10-18). In addition, patients returned to their daily activities in approximately 5 days. Besides, 165 (82.5%) were very satisfied, 35 (17.5%) were satisfied, no patients were dissatisfied. Besides, the recurrence rate was 1% (2 patients) and postoperative local infection was observed in 3 patients (1.5%). 193 (96.5%) patients reflected the appearance after surgery was esthetic, 7(3.5%) patients for moderate and no patients for unesthetic.

Conclusions: Thus, we can conclude that this improved surgical procedure is a promising method to treat grade II/III ingrown toenail with less scarring, aesthetic appearance, low recurrence rate, rapid healing, and high patient satisfaction.