Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
07:24
Autologous Microfractured and Purified Adipose Tissue for Arthroscopic Management of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus
Published on: January 23, 2018
A soccer player with a sore toe: recognizing subungual osteochondromas.
G P Rajan1, R Zellweger, O Trentz
1ENT Surgery Department, University Hospital, Zurich, CH. gunesh.rajan@orl.usz.ch.
The Physician and Sportsmedicine
|January 21, 2010
Summary
Subungual osteochondromas, often mistaken for sports injuries, can develop after trauma. Early diagnosis via X-ray and surgical removal ensure excellent recovery for this rare bone condition.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Subungual osteochondromas are rare bone tumors typically presenting under the nail.
- Unlike typical osteochondromas, they may result from trauma rather than developmental errors.
- Misdiagnosis is common, particularly when presenting as a sports injury, leading to undertreatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the distinct etiology and diagnostic challenges of subungual osteochondromas.
- To emphasize the role of radiographic imaging in diagnosis.
- To present an effective surgical treatment and its outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 20-year-old soccer player with a subungual osteochondroma of the great toe.
- Diagnostic imaging using X-rays to confirm bone involvement.
- Surgical resection with periosteal realignment.
Main Results:
- X-ray confirmed a subungual osteochondroma in the patient's great toe, consistent with trauma.
- Radical, anatomic resection of the symptomatic osteochondroma was performed.
- The patient experienced an excellent functional outcome after surgery.
Conclusions:
- Subungual osteochondromas require a high index of suspicion, especially after trauma in athletes.
- X-rays are crucial for differentiating these lesions from other injuries.
- Surgical excision with appropriate realignment provides a definitive and effective treatment with excellent functional results.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Definition A diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a chronic, non-healing wound that develops in individuals with diabetes. It typically occurs on pressure-bearing areas such as the heel, metatarsal heads, or hallux, and carries a high risk of infection and amputation.Pathophysiology • The development of DFUs can be explained by four interconnected mechanisms: neuropathy, ischemia, infection, and impaired wound healing. • Neuropathy is the most common factor. Sensory neuropathy reduces pain perception,...
01:10Ankle Joint
The ankle is formed by the talocrural joint (crural = leg). It consists of the articulations between the talus bone of the foot and the distal ends of the tibia and fibula of the leg. The superior aspect of the talus bone is square-shaped and has three areas of articulation. The top of the talus articulates with the inferior tibia. This is the portion of the ankle joint that carries the body weight between the leg and foot. The sides of the talus are firmly held in position by the articulations...
01:10Bones of the Lower Limb: Tibia and Fibula
The tibia is the main weight-bearing bone of the lower leg. It is larger than the fibula with which it is paired. The tibia is also the second longest bone in the body and is located right below the skin. The proximal end of the tibia forms the medial and the lateral condyle, which articulates with the condyles of the femur to form the knee joint. Between the articulating surfaces is the irregular elevated area known as the intercondylar eminence that serves as the inferior attachment point for...
01:23Knee Joint
The knee joint is the most complicated joint in the body. It consists of three articulations– two tibiofemoral and one patellofemoral. As is characteristic of synovial joints, the knee joint has a thin articular capsule that partially surrounds this joint cavity. Additionally, several ligaments, muscles, and cartilaginous structures support the movement of the knee.
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris group...
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris group...
01:28Muscles of the Leg that Move the Foot and Toes
The human leg comprises an intricate system of muscles that facilitate the movement of feet and toes. Within this system, the muscles are categorized into the anterior, lateral, and posterior compartments, each with a unique set of muscles carrying out specific functions.
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment includes muscles that contribute to the dorsiflexion of the foot. This compartment houses the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles.
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment includes muscles that contribute to the dorsiflexion of the foot. This compartment houses the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles.
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Treatment for a fracture is based on the type of break, the bone affected, and the patient's age.
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...