Abstract

Subungual exostosis represents an uncommon osteocartilaginous benign proliferation with a trend towards recurrence. The authors report on a retrospective series of 28 cases of subungual exostosis of the first toe with histologic confirmation. There were 20 male and 8 female patients, with a mean age of 18 years. A history of trauma or repetitive microtrauma was noted in 21 cases. Surgical treatment was performed using the most direct approach. The tumor was widely excised and the ungual apparatus was reconstructed under optic magnification. All patients were reviewed after 14 to 96 months. Tumor recurrence was observed in 4 cases, treated secondarily with success. No malignant transformation was seen.