Effectiveness of Postoperative Nail Edge Fixation Following Partial Matrixectomy in the Surgical Treatment of Ingrown Toenail

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a postoperative nail edge fixation device on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing surgical treatment for ingrown toenails. Materials and Methods: A total of 110 patients who underwent surgical treatment for ingrown toenails between 2018 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent partial matrixectomy using curettage and electrocautery. In 1 group, an additional fixation device was applied to the operated nail, elevating the lateral and medial edges by 1 mm above the surrounding soft tissue, and was maintained for 14 days. The groups were compared in terms of operative time, infection, serous exudate, erythema, number of dressings, healing time, and recurrence rate. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of age, gender, disease stage, lesion location, or follow-up duration ( P >0.05). The mean operative time was significantly longer in the fixation group (20.6 vs. 17.9 min, P <0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the groups regarding the duration of postoperative erythema (2.79 vs. 2.48 d, P >0.05), serous discharge (4.46 vs. 3.98 d, P >0.05), number of dressings required (3.87 vs. 3.57, P >0.05), total healing time (14.29 vs. 13.95 d, P >0.05), or recurrence rate (10% vs. 19%, P >0.05). Conclusion: While the use of a fixation device prolonged the operative time, it did not lead to a significant improvement in clinical outcomes such as infection, healing time, or recurrence. Further large-scale prospective studies are needed to determine whether routine use of nail fixation provides clinical benefit. Level of Evidence: Level III.