Lateral Partial Nail Matrixectomy with Phenol
The medical term for a left big toenail lateral partial ablation using phenol is "lateral partial nail matrixectomy with phenol" or "lateral chemical matrixectomy with phenol." This procedure involves partial nail avulsion followed by chemical destruction of the lateral portion of the nail matrix using phenol to prevent regrowth of the ingrown portion.
Terminology Components
The procedure consists of several distinct elements that define the medical terminology:
- Lateral: Refers to the side portion of the nail (as opposed to medial or total) 1
- Partial: Indicates only a portion of the nail matrix is ablated, not the entire matrix 2
- Matrixectomy: The destruction or removal of the nail matrix tissue 3
- Chemical: Distinguishes this from surgical excision methods 4
- Phenol: The specific chemical agent used (typically 88% phenol) 1, 3
Alternative Terminology
The procedure may also be documented as:
- Partial nail avulsion with lateral chemical matricectomy 2, 3
- Lateral phenolization 1
- Chemical matricectomy using phenol 2
Technical Details
Phenol (88% concentration) is applied for 45 seconds to 3 minutes to the exposed lateral nail matrix after partial nail plate removal 1, 3. The procedure achieves permanent ablation of the lateral nail matrix, preventing regrowth of the ingrown portion while preserving the central nail matrix for normal nail growth 5.
Common Procedural Steps Referenced in Documentation:
- Proximal digital block anesthesia 3
- Partial lateral nail plate avulsion 2
- Matrix curettage 3
- Phenol application to lateral horn of matrix 1, 3
- Neutralization and wound care 2
Clinical Context
This procedure is the treatment of choice for ingrown toenails (onychocryptosis), with recurrence rates of 0.75% at 3 months and 1.87% at 6 months when phenol is applied for 45 seconds 1. The medial nail fold has higher recurrence rates than the lateral nail fold 1.