Embedded Files
Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA) is a minor painless toenail procedure designed to treat ingrown toenails. You may experience brief discomfort from the anesthetic injection, but the procedure itself is pain-free as it is performed under local anesthesia. The procedure involves the removal of a section of the toenail that is causing issues. The aim is to relieve pain, minimize the risk of infection, and prevent the toenail from growing into the surrounding skin again.
Effective Long Term Treatment for Ingrown Toenails With Matrixectomy
Repeated episodes of ingrown toenails often occur even after previous treatments or nail removals. This is because the underlying nail root remains active and continues to grow. Simply performing a partial nail avulsion won't prevent the nail from growing back.
For a permanent solution, we use a combined approach that involves applying a chemical to destroy the nail root entirely after the partial nail avulsion. This comprehensive treatment, known as partial nail avulsion with chemical matrixectomy, has been shown to effectively reduce recurrence rates, achieving up to 97% success, and provide lasting relief.
Benefits of Partial Nail Avulsion
with Matrixectomy
✅ Minimally invasive procedure involving no stitches
✅ Minial downtime and allowing patients to resume walking immediately afterward
✅ Quick recovery
✅ Highly effective, with a 97% success rate in preventing recurrence
THE PROCESS OF PARTIAL NAIL AVULSION
Preparation:
Consultation: The podiatrist evaluates your condition, explains the procedure, and gets your consent.
Sterilization: The toe is cleaned and sterilized.
Anesthesia:
Numbing: An anesthetic is injected to numb the toe.
Procedure:
Nail Removal: The affected part of the nail is carefully separated from the nail bed and removed, without cutting into the surrounding skin.
Chemical Treatment (Matrixectomy): A chemical may be applied to the nail root to prevent regrowth of the removed section.
Post-Procedure Care:
Dressing: The toe is cleaned and covered with a sterile dressing.
Instructions: You receive care instructions and advice on managing discomfort and recognizing complications.
Follow-Up:
Check-Up: Scheduled follow-up visits to ensure proper healing.
Total Nail Avulsion (TNA)
In more severe cases, where the toenail is extensively deformed and causing pain on both sides, we may recommend a total nail avulsion (TNA). This procedure involves removing the entire toenail to achieve optimal results.
Potential Risks of Toenail Surgery
Ingrown toenail surgery, like any medical procedure, carries potential risks. Common complications associated with partial nail avulsion include bleeding, nerve pain, infections, and delayed wound healing. Your podiatrists will discuss these risks with you beforehand to ensure you are fully informed.
Patient Cases
Pre-surgery
Pre-surgery
Day 1 post-surgery
Swelling has reduced
Day 1 post-surgery
Swelling has reduced
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Matrixectomy done?
Why is Matrixectomy done?
Matrixectomy is performed when a portion of the toenail causes pain, infection, or other issues that do not respond to conservative treatments. By removing the nail matrix (tissue at the base of the nail), the nail will no longer grow back in the treated area, offering a permanent solution to recurring problems.
How long does it take to recover from Partial Nail Avulsion with Matrixectomy?
How long does it take to recover from Partial Nail Avulsion with Matrixectomy?
Recovery typically takes 2-4 weeks for most healthy individuals. During this time, it's important to follow post-operative care instructions to ensure proper healing. Most patients can return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks, although strenuous activities may need to be avoided for longer.
Will my nail grow back after a partial nail avulsion?
If a matrixectomy was done on the part of the nail that was causing problems, that part of the nail will not grow back because the root of the nail was permanently removed. However, if only the nail was removed without matrixectomy, the nail should grow back over time.
Are there any risks of complications?
Are there any risks of complications?
Like any surgical procedure, there are some risks, including infection, excessive bleeding, or delayed healing. However, these risks are relatively rare and can be minimised by following post-surgical care instructions carefully.
Is the procedure painful?
Is the procedure painful?
Ingrown toenail surgery is generally painless. The only discomfort patients typically experience is during the local anesthesia injection, which takes about one minute. After the anesthesia is administered, the area will be numbed, and no pain is felt during the procedure.
You may experience mild discomfort or swelling after the procedure, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Many patients report that the discomfort caused by the ingrown toenail is often more severe than the pain associated with the procedure itself.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse