- Anaesthesia
- Digital nerve block using local anaesthetic without adrenaline
- Lateral Nail Avulsion
- Apply tourniquet at base of toe
- Use nail splitter or scissors to cut the lateral 15–25% of the nail longitudinally
- Remove the lateral nail segment completely, down to the matrix
- Chemical Matrixectomy
- Dry the nail bed carefully
- Apply 80-90% phenol to matrix to the exposed lateral matrix area using a cotton-tipped applicator
- Typically applied for 30-40 sec
- Rotate applicator to ensure full contact with matrix
- Post-Procedure Care
- Remove tourniquet
- Dress with non-adherent dressing
- Advise foot elevation and gentle wound care
- Warn about mild drainage for several weeks while healing
