Glomus Tumors of the Distal Phalanx: A Retrospective Review of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment

Orthopedics. 2022 Mar-Apr;45(2):e101-e106. doi: 10.3928/01477447-20220105-03. Epub 2022 Jan 12.

Abstract

Glomus tumors (GTs) are rare and typically occur in distal digital bones, with a majority of cases comprising benign vascular tumors. The current study retrospectively reviewed 10 cases of GTs treated by the authors between January 2009 and December 2016. In 9 cases, the GTs were subungual; 1 case was periungual. The affected fingers included 2 thumbs, 3 index fingers, 3 middle fingers, and 2 little fingers. The GTs showed characteristic signs and symptoms. All patients underwent tumor excision. Pathological examination found a thin layer of fibrous membrane surrounding the excised tumor body, which contained small vessels surrounded by multilayered tumor cells. No recurrence was seen during follow-up. The results of this study suggested the following: (1) whole tumor excision is key to preventing GT recurrence; and (2) in case of considerable phalangeal cortex erosion, K-wire fixation followed by autogenous bone grafting can produce satisfactory outcomes, although accurate evidence-based indications for this management need to be established. [Orthopedics. 2022;45(2):e101-e106.].

MeSH terms

  • Finger Phalanges* / diagnostic imaging
  • Finger Phalanges* / surgery
  • Fingers / pathology
  • Fingers / surgery
  • Glomus Tumor* / diagnostic imaging
  • Glomus Tumor* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Thumb