Matrixectomy

noun

noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A procedure making use of chemicals, surgery, cryotherapy or laser to remove all or part of the nail matrix, usually as a treatment for ingrown toenails.

    "CO₂ laser matrixectomy is often the procedure of choice for permanent, partial, or total nail ablation in the treatment of recurrent ingrown nails, pincer deformity, and recalcitrant onychomycosis. Chemical matrixectomy with either phenol, sodium hydroxide, or acetic acid is effective but causes extensive tissue necrosis, which may be associated with significant postoperative pain, persistent drainage, or periostitis."

Example

More examples

"CO₂ laser matrixectomy is often the procedure of choice for permanent, partial, or total nail ablation in the treatment of recurrent ingrown nails, pincer deformity, and recalcitrant onychomycosis. Chemical matrixectomy with either phenol, sodium hydroxide, or acetic acid is effective but causes extensive tissue necrosis, which may be associated with significant postoperative pain, persistent drainage, or periostitis."

Etymology

From matrix + -ectomy.

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.