Partial nail avulsion – treatment for ingrown nail or nail injuries

Partial nail avulsion is a minor surgical procedure used for removal of a portion of the nail plate, when it causes inflammation, pain, or infection in the tissues surrounding the nail.

The procedure is most frequently indicated in cases of ingrown nail (onychocryptosis), a condition in which the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, inflammation, and sometimes infection.

The intervention consists of removal of the lateral segment of the nail that produces tissue irritation. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so the patient experiences no pain during the intervention.

Partial nail avulsion may be recommended for:

• treatment of ingrown nail
• relief of pain and local inflammation
• treatment of periungual infections
• correction of nail deformities

After the procedure, the physician provides recommendations regarding care of the treated area and prevention of recurrent ingrown nail.

The duration of the intervention is generally 15–30 minutes, and the patient can resume daily activities shortly after, while following medical instructions.