Chemical Matricectomy With Sodium Hydroxide

Long-Term Follow-up Results

Abstract

BACKGROUND 

Chemical matricectomy with sodium hydroxide is a method being used successfully in the treatment of ingrown toenail.

OBJECTIVE 

In this study, it was aimed to evaluate long-term recurrence rates after chemical matricectomy using sodium hydroxide application of different durations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS 

Two hundred two patients with ingrown nail edges were treated with either 1-minute (Group 1) or 2-minute (Group 2) applications of sodium hydroxide matricectomy. All patients were followed for at least 2 years.

RESULTS 

Chemical matricectomy with sodium hydroxide was applied to a total of 585 nail edges of 202 cases. The overall recurrence rates in Group 1 and Group 2 were 6.4% and 7.1%, respectively, during the average 7.5-year follow-up period. No statistically significant differences were detected in terms of recurrence between the 2 groups (p = .73).

CONCLUSION 

Chemical matricectomy with sodium hydroxide is an easy method in the treatment of ingrown nails, with low morbidity and high success rates. There was no difference between 1-minute and 2-minute applications in terms of recurrence during the long-term follow-up. Chemical matricectomy with 1-minute application of sodium hydroxide showed high success in terms of long-term follow-up results.