Abstract | BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVE: METHODS: One hundred ninety-six consecutive patients (predominantly teenagers) previously unsuccessfully treated by surgery underwent CO2 laser for recurrent onychocryptosis. After a digital nerve block and a simple partial nail plate avulsion, the laser was used (5 W, defocused 2 mm beam in continuous mode) to vaporize the matrix, the lateral horn, and the lateral nail groove, including local granulation tissue if present. Follow-up was at least 12 months. RESULTS: Three hundred forty-four matricectomies were performed. Disease was mostly at stage II and III, with severe local infection in 24 cases (12.2%). All wounds healed in 21.9 +/- 3.2 days, with no postoperative local infection or prolonged exudative drainage. Onychocryptosis reoccurred in 5 of 344 treated margins (1.45%, average 15 months), all after primary bilateral matricectomy. Spicules in the lateral nail groove occurred in 14 of 344 treated margins (4%, average 5.9 months), mostly after primary bilateral matricectomy (7 cases) and in infected margins (8 cases). One patient developed a neuroma in the lateral nail groove. CONCLUSION:
CO2 laser is effective for the treatment of recurrent onychocryptosis. Bilateral matricectomy and local infection seem to be the predisposing factors for recurrence and postoperative spicule growth.
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Authors | Francis Serour |
Journal | Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]
(Dermatol Surg)
Vol. 28
Issue 6
Pg. 509-12
(Jun 2002)
ISSN: 1076-0512 [Print] United States |
PMID | 12081681
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Child
- Female
- Humans
- Laser Therapy
(methods)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Nails, Ingrown
(surgery)
- Postoperative Complications
- Recurrence
- Toes
- Treatment Outcome
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