Matrixectomy

Debride the area of any loose nail fragments or hyperkeratotic tissue with the forceps. matrixectomy. Debridement of the granulation tissue is usually sufficient and does not require matrixectomy.

CO₂ laser matrixectomy is often the procedure of choice for permanent, partial, or total nail ablation in the treatment of recurrent ingrown nails, pincer deformity, and recalcitrant onychomycosis. Chemical matrixectomy with either phenol, sodium hydroxide, or acetic acid is effective but causes extensive tissue necrosis, which may be associated with significant postoperative pain, persistent drainage, or periostitis.

General complications secondary to matrixectomy include regrowth (failure), tourniquet trauma causing a tendonitis or neuritis at the base of the toe, infection, and vascular embarrassment resulting in ulceration and gangrene.

Other treatments with carbon dioxide laser are onychoplasty and matrixectomy for the treatment of ingrown toenails and laser surgical removal of the bone spurs by a bone-shaving technique.

Bandaging and postoperative wound care are similar to a partial matrixectomy. Partial and total matrixectomies can also be accomplished utilizing a carbon dioxide laser.

The germinal matrix in this area is then eradicated either by surgical or chemical matrixectomy using phenol or NaOH.