Subungual osteochondroma: clinical and radiologic features and treatment

Abstract

Background: Subungual osteochondromas are relatively rare.

Objective: The objective was to evaluate the clinical, histologic, radiologic, and therapeutic features of subungual osteochondroma.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 27 cases of subungual osteochondroma evaluating the clinical manifestations, the radiologic and histologic features, and the treatment.

Results: There were 20 females and 7 males. The first toe was the most commonly involved. Previous trauma was recalled in 40.7% of the cases. Subungual osteochondromas appeared as firm, exophytic tumors beneath the ungual plate. Twenty-five patients had pain. The radiologic films demonstrated the presence of a juxtaephiphyseal radiodense cap surrounded in some cases by cortical bone. A Dubois-like excision was performed to expose the tumor and cut it through the base, followed by curettage of the bony bed. Radiologic controls were taken 30 and 60 days after surgery and in cases of symptomatology. There were three cases of recurrence and two cases of incomplete excision.

Conclusions: Subungual osteochondroma should be distinguished from other subungual masses. The diagnosis of subungual osteochondroma is clinicoradiologic.