Evaluation of the relationship between ingrown toenail and hallux interphalangeal angle

INTRODUCTION: Commonly encountered ingrown toenail has been associated especially with shoe properties or nail care. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between ingrown toenail and hallux interphalangeal angle (HIA).
METHODS: A total of 28 patients (30 feet) diagnosed with ingrown toenail and had no foot deformity except hallux interphalangeal angle were included in the study. Twenty-eight persons (30 feet) who had no any complaint of ingrown toenail or any foot deformity, and who consecutively presented due to any complaint other than lower extremity were enrolled as the control group. Hallux interphalangeal angle was calculated both in patients and control subjects with dorsoplantar projection of the foot, and compared between the groups.
RESULTS: The groups were similar in age and gender, but showed differences in terms of HIA. The mean HIA value was significantly higher in the patient group compared to the controls. Whereas HIA was higher in male patients with ingrown toenail, this relationship could not be shown in female patients.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Increased HIA may be among the risk factors for ingrown toenail. Deformities of the forefoot should be evaluated in patients with ingrown toenail.