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Novel knot technique shows effectiveness in treatment of ingrown nails

A novel knot technique was found to be effective in treating patients with stages 2 and 3 ingrown nails, according to recently published study results.

Thirty patients who presented to a clinic between 2010 and 2012 with stages 2 and 3 ingrown nails of the big toe were studied. Stage 2 was considered presence of acute infection and suppuration, and stage 3 included chronic infection, formation of granulation tissue surrounding the nail groove and hypertrophy of surrounding tissues. Eighteen patients had previous surgery for ingrown nails.

The upper and lower soft tissues of the nail had wedge excisions performed following surface cleaning with polyvinylpyrrolidone 10%, and 2/0 sharp polypropylene was used for simple sutures of the wound margins.

There were approximately eight to 10 knots tied without cutting the stitches under the nail, which were used to push the soft tissue down and to raise the nail.

A knot was placed under the nail after the needle had been passed inside the nail without cutting the suture before another knot was tied above the nail, the researchers wrote. This raised the ingrown part of the nail.

Average follow-up was 20 months, during which time one patient experienced a relapse after cutting his nail in a curved manner; however, recovery was accomplished through conservative treatment. There were no infections observed, and no additional surgery was required, according to the researchers. – by Bruce Thiel

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.