Background: An abnormal hallux interphalangeal angle may be an important risk factor for the recurrence of ingrown toenails.
Methods: Sixty pediatric patients who underwent surgery for an ingrown toenail were evaluated retrospectively in terms of recurrence. The patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 included 30 patients (22 boys and eight girls) with hallux valgus interphalangeal deformity. Group 2 included 30 patients (20 boys and ten girls) without toe deformity.
Results: The mean ± SD patient age was 12.8 ± 1.42 years and 12.5 ± 1.45 years in groups 1 and 2, respectively. There was no significant difference between the patient and control groups in terms of age and sex (P > .05). The mean ± SD follow-up time was 30.2 ± 13.46 months in group 1 and 31.3 ± 12.86 months in group 2 (P = .286). We observed recurrence in six patients (20%) in group 1 and in two patients (6.7%) in group 2.
Conclusions: The recurrence of an ingrown toenail may be associated with an increased hallux interphalangeal angle in pediatric patients. Factors related to the hallux interphalangeal angle abnormality, which increases the risk of ingrown toenails, also increase the recurrence rate in these patients. Therefore, it is surmised that hallux valgus interphalangeal deformity should be evaluated before surgery, and patients and their families should be informed about the increased risk of recurrence.