Procedure

Toenail Removal

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Toenail Removal, Onychectomy, Ingrown Toenail Avulsion, Ingrown Toenail Resection, Matrixectomy, Wedge Resection Toenail, Wedge Resection of Ingrowing Toenail, Partial Resection of Ingrown Toenail

  • See Also
  1. Ingrown Toenail
  • Preparation
  1. Prepare site
    1. Immerse digit in warm soapy water for 10-15 minutes
    2. Prepare area with Betadine or hibbiclens
  2. Digital Block Anesthesia
  3. Consider Tourniquet (brief application only)
    1. Apply penrose drain or Rubber band at base of digit
    2. Reduces bleeding during procedure
  4. Drape area
  • Technique
  • Toenail Removal
  1. Check for adequate Anesthesia
  2. Elevate nail from nail bed
    1. Use nail elevator (periosteal elevator)
    2. Alternative instruments
      1. Closed tip of iris scissors
      2. English nail anvil
    3. Insert under cuticle and nail fold
  3. Identify line to cut nail
    1. Partial Nail Avulsion
      1. Lateral 1/4 of nail (where nail curves down)
      2. Offers similar outcomes to complete nail excision
    2. Complete Nail Avulsion: Midline of nail
  4. Use nail splitter of sterile bandage scissors
    1. Cut nail to proximal nail fold
  5. Grasp nail with hemostat
    1. Twist lateral fragment outward to remove
  • Technique
  • Phenolization for matricectomy (Chemical nail ablation)
  1. Background
    1. Chemically destroy nail matrix
  2. Indications
    1. Indicated for recurrent Ingrown Nail
  3. Efficacy
    1. Phenolization is at least as effective as surgical method
    2. Gerritsma-Bleeker (2002) Arch Surg 137(3): 320-5 [PubMed]
  4. Adverse Effects
    1. Minor increased risk of infection with phenolization (prophylactic Antibiotics not recommended)
  5. Contraindications
    1. Do not use phenol in the presence of a pregnant patient or pregnant medical staff
    2. Peripheral Vascular Disease (relative contraindication)
    3. Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus (relative contraindication)
  6. Technique
    1. Phenolization uses phenol 80-88%
    2. Apply Phenol with cotton swab to matrix for 30 seconds each, and repeat 3 times
    3. Thoroughly rinse with 70% Isopropyl Alcohol or saline to wash away residual phenol
    4. Only apply phenol to nail matrix and not to nail bed or surrounding tissue
    5. Thoroughly cleanse with Isopropyl Alcohol 70% (neutralizes phenol)
  • Technique
  • Surgical Matrixectomy (nail ablation)
  1. See Phenolization above for indications
  2. Laser Method
  3. Electrosurgical method (Ellman Surgitron)
    1. Antenna lead placed beneath heel of foot
    2. Clean surgical field of any blood
    3. Flat matricectomy electrode (coated on one side)
      1. Place under nail fold (teflon side facing up)
    4. Apply cautery to each exposed area
      1. Set current to 2 (20 W) of coagulation
      2. Apply current for 5 seconds
      3. Allow to cool for 15 seconds
      4. Repeat application of 5 seconds of current
  • Technique
  • Dressing
  1. Apply Vaseline Gauze and tube pressure dressing
    1. Previously Antibiotic ointment (e.g. Bacitracin) was recommended as part of initial dressing
  • Management
  • Home Instructions
  1. Keep foot elevated for first 24 hours
  2. Change dressing in 24 hours
  3. Topical preparations
    1. No topical agents have been shown to reduce infection or pain, or improve healing
      1. Tried preparations include Topical Antibiotics, antiseptic, manuka honey and paraffin preparations
  4. Antibiotics
    1. Localized inflammation or infection typically resolves after nail removal without Antibiotics
    2. Oral or Topical Antibiotics are not indicated unless there is clear and widespread associated Cellulitis
    3. Previously, daily Antibiotic ointment (e.g. Bacitracin) was applied until healed
      1. Instead, apply Vaseline Gauze and clear bandage to area daily for 1-3 weeks
  5. Water exposure is controversial
    1. Some recommend only showering, but no soakings
    2. Others soak foot in warm soapy water 2-4 times daily for 4-7 days
  6. Avoid Trauma to toe for first 2 weeks
    1. Wear loose-fitting shoes
    2. Avoid Running, jumping or other potential injury
  7. Observe for signs of infection (Paronychia)
  • References
  1. Mandracchia (July, 1998) Hospital Medicine, p. 36-43
  2. Peggs in Pfenninger (1994) Procedures, Mosby, p. 28-43
  3. Heidelbaugh (2009) Am Fam Physician 79(4): 303-12 [PubMed]
  4. Mayeaux (2019) Am Fam Physician 100(3): 158-64 [PubMed]
  5. Zuber (2002) Am Fam Physician 65(2):2547-58 [PubMed]