WEDGE RESECTION ALONE OR COMBINED WITH SEGMENTAL PHENOLIZATION FOR THE TREATMENT OF INGROWING TOENAIL

A retrospective analysis was undertaken of 387 patients treated surgic ally for ingrowing toenail between 1987 and 1989. In all, 203 patients were assessed and had 309 procedures performed on the median and/or l ateral margins of one or both halluces. The procedures were performed by all grades of surgeon. A total of 126 wedge resections and 183 wedg e resection-segmental phenolization combination treatments were perfor med. There were significantly fewer recurrences in the group receiving combination treatment (eight; 4.4 per cent) than in that having wedge resection alone (22; 17.5 per cent) (P<0.001). Patients having proced ures performed by senior house officers had a significantly greater ch ance of recurrence if a wedge resection alone was performed. It is con cluded that the combination procedure gives better long-term results t han wedge resection alone and can be used successfully by all grades o f surgeon.