Matrix Cauterization With Silver Nitrate in the Treatment of Ingrown Toenails in Children: Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Although partial onychectomy with chemical matricectomy has been described asthe treatment of choice, there is sparse evidence in the literature regarding the use of silvernitrate for matricectomy. Our aim is to describe the effectiveness of silver nitrate for matrixcauterization after partial onychectomy.

Methods: A prospective observational study was performed on patients with ingrown toenailsstage 2-3 who underwent partial onychectomy with silver nitrate chemical matricectomy during 2018-2019 in our institution. All patients were evaluated in the outpatient clinic on the 7th and 30th post-operative day and a telephone evaluation was performed every 6 months afterthe surgical procedure to date.

Results: One hundred and twenty-three patients, who underwent 231 partial onychectomies with silver nitrate chemical matricectomy were included, with a median follow-up of 21 months (interquartile range, 12-29). The procedure had an effectiveness of 95.3%, with only 11 recur-rences (4.7%) reported so far on follow-up. Postoperative infections were observed in 4 patients (1.7%). Adverse effects, such as pain and postoperative drainage, were irrelevant in mostpatients.

Conclusions: Silver nitrate matricectomy after partial onychectomy is an effective and safealternative for the treatment of ingrown toenail in children, with scarce postoperative morbidityand low recurrence rate.

Keywords: Children; Ingrown nails; Nitrato de plata; Niños; Silver nitrate; Uñas encarnadas.