Factors affecting recurrence rate of ingrown toenail treated with marginal toenail ablation.

This retrospective study analyzed marginal toenail ablation for ingrowing toenails and the factors affecting recurrences. Recurrence was defined as a return of the previous symptoms, regrowth of the nail edge, or patient dissatisfaction with the clinical outcome. Based on these criteria, nine patients (10.7%) were considered to have had a failed operation. There were significant differences for recurrence rate (p <.05) in the patients operated on under local anesthesia and in previously treated patients. Full exposure and excision of the germinal matrix were essential to avoid recurrence.