Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to introduce the 'Matrixplasty' for the treatment of a severely incurved toenail with growth plate deformity and to report our results treating this disease entity. Materials and Methods: Between January 2010 and May 2010, 48 consecutive patients (62 cases) underwent treatment of symptomatic incurved toenails with the 'matrixplasty'. The mean period of time at last follow-up was $14.0{\pm}1.3$ months. The recurrence rate and complication rate were evaluated. An American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot hallux score was assigned and patients were evaluated at pretreatment and the last follow-up meeting. For evaluation of improvement in toenail shape, the center to edge angle of the toenail was measured at pretreatment and last follow-up. Results: All ingrown toenails healed and the nail deformity was corrected within 3 weeks after the procedure. Among the 62 cases, four cases had recurred by the last follow-up. The mean pretreatment AOFAS forefoot hallux score was $73.1{\pm}12.8$, and it improved to $98.7{\pm}1.1$ by the last follow-up (p<0.01). The mean center to edge angle of the toenail improved from $53.3{\pm}12.9$ degrees to $18.2{\pm}7.4$ degrees by the last follow-up (p<0.01). Minor paronychia, which was managed with local wound dressing and oral antibiotics, was identified in eight cases. Conclusion: Matrixplasty showed excellent clinical results in the treatment of severe incurved toenail (pincer nail) and this procedure also showed great improvement of the deformed toenail and its growth plate.