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Onychoplasty with Carbon Dioxide Laser Matrixectomy for Treatment of Ingrown Toenails

^* Department of Podiatry, Veterans Affairs Chicago Health Care System, West Side Division, Chicago, IL.

Corresponding author: Tara Farley-Sakevich, DPM, Veterans Affairs Chicago Health Care System, West Side Division, 820 S Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60612.

Abstract

Ingrown toenails are one of the most common pathologic conditions encountered in podiatric medical practice. Many methods of treatment for ingrown toenails have been used and studied, including chemical matrixectomies, surgical approaches, and CO₂ laser ablation. This study is a retrospective review of a new technique that consists of resection of the involved nail matrix using a No. 15 blade and controlled cauterization using a CO₂ laser. The technique was performed on 381 painful ingrown toenails, and all of the patients were followed up postoperatively for an average of 34 months. The results showed minimal pain, a low recurrence rate, rapid return to activity, and good cosmesis. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 95(2): 175–179, 2005)