One of the most common surgeries in the medical field is “matrixectomy”. It is a procedure used to treat recurring issues with toenails or fingernails. In this procedure, the nail matrix, which is the tissue that actually makes the nail grow, is removed using chemicals or surgery.
It wasn’t until the 20th century that matrixectomy was developed. Before then, when a person had an issue with an ingrown nail, doctors performed a chemical matrixectomy to make the procedure less painful.
Purpose of Matrixectomy
The main reason why people get matricectomy is to fix the male problems that keep coming back and causing issues. Doctors often recommend matrixectomy for:
- Ingrown toenails that don’t improve with regular treatment.
- Nail deformation from constant injury or trauma to that particular toenail or fingernail.
- Persistent fungal infections that won’t go away.
- Painful nails that affect daily life.
Structure of the Affected Tissues
The nail matrix is located underneath the cuticle, which is responsible for producing toenails or fingernails. It makes keratin, which is the protein that forms the nail, and grows new nail cells by pushing the older ones forward to create visible nails.
Matrixectomy mainly targets the nail matrix, however, some serious cases of ingrown toenails or fingernails can also affect the bone underneath (the distal phalanx).
The nail matrix’s main job is to create nails by constantly making new cells. While the bone underneath (bone matrix) provides structure to the digits and helps protect the deeper tissues from getting hurt.
Types of Matrixectomy
The type of matrixectomy to be performed depends on the specific tissues that have been affected.
Nail Matrixectomy: This is pretty common and its aim is to remove or destroy the nail matrix, which is the tissue that is responsible for nail growth. This procedure is of two types, namely: chemically or surgically.
Chemical matrixectomy: This procedure involves using chemical agents like phenol or sodium hydroxide, to remove or destroy the nail matrix and prevent the nail from growing back.
Surgical matrixectomy: In this procedure, the nail matrix is physically removed using tools like scalpels. However, this type of nail matrixectomy is done in cases where the injury is severe and the chemical treatment has failed.
Bone Matrixectomy: This is a much less common type that involves removing part of the affected bone. This procedure is typically only considered in very extreme cases, where the bone underneath, specifically the distal phalanx, is affected.
Who Is Eligible For Matrixectomy?
Not everyone is a good candidate for this procedure. Matrixectomy is often suggested for people dealing with:
Ingrown Toenails: This is probably the most common reason why a person should get this surgery, especially if the ingrown toenail is recurring.
Chronic Fungal Infection: Usually, the doctor would prescribe a medication for fungal infection. However, if the medication isn’t working and the infection keeps getting worse, removing the nail for good might be the best option.
Nail Trauma: A toenail or fingernail can get deformed from an injury or constant bumping of that particular toenail or fingernail. In a case like this, it would be recommended to the patient in order to stop the nail from growing back in a way that causes problems.
Bone Tumor: In rare cases, when an infection spreads to the bone under the nail, this and sometimes bone matrixectomy is needed to prevent further damage.
Conclusion
Matrixectomy is a fix for stubborn nail problems like recurring ingrown toenails. It tackles the nail matrix, the part that makes your nails grow.
However, this is not for everyone; if you have severe vascular issues, uncontrolled diabetes, or a weakened system, you might need to look at other options.
