Comparison of Vandenbos procedure or Winograd method for ingrown toenail

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the outcomes of the Winograd method and Vandenbos procedure used to treat an ingrown toenail. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2017 and February 2020, a total of 145 patients (65 males, 80 females; mean age: 31.45 years; range, 13 to 61 years) who were treated with Winograd or Vandenbos procedure for an ingrown toenail were retrospectively analyzed. Of the patients, 70 underwent the Winograd method (Group 1) and 75 underwent the Vandenbos procedure (Group 2). Postoperative Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, demographic data, recurrence/complication rates, and satisfaction of patients were recorded. RESULTS: The mean recovery time was 11.8±2.6 days in Group 1 and 18.0±2.1 days in Group 2 (p<0.001). The mean VAS score was 3.9±0.7 in Group 1 and 7.2±1.0 in Group 2 (p<0.001) during the first postoperative week. Of the patients, 56 (80%) of 70 patients in Group 1 and 74 (98%) of 75 patients in Group 2 were satisfied with the surgery (p<0.001). In terms of cosmetics, 60 (85%) of the patients in Group 1 and 74 (98%) of the patients in Group 2 were satisfied (p=0.003). Recurrence was observed in 10 (14%) patients in Group 1, while no recurrence was observed in Group 2. Six (8.7%) patients in Group 1 and one (1.3%) patient in Group 2 developed complications. CONCLUSION: Low recurrence rates, high satisfaction, and good cosmetic results can be achieved with the Vandenbos procedure, while recovery time and return to work are faster with the Winograd method. The appropriate surgical technique should be selected based on the individual patient.