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Nail-Preserving Technique for the Excision of Subungual Glomus Tumors
Nikita Shetty1,2,3,4, Sudhir Warrier1,3,5
1Hand and Wrist Reconstructive Surgery, Laud Clinic, 180, Hindu Colony, Dadar East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400014 India.
Background:
Glomus tumors constitute approximately 1 to 4.5% of all tumors of the hand. Conventional surgical approaches often require partial or complete removal of the nail plate, which may result in postoperative morbidity and nail deformities. This study aims to present a nail-preserving approach for the excision of subungual glomus tumors, with a focus on minimizing complications and preserving nail bed integrity.
Materials And Methods:
Between 2002 and 2022, 61 cases of glomus tumors were treated by a single surgeon. Of these, 59 were subungual and managed using a nail-preserving technique. Patients were retrospectively reviewed for surgical reproducibility, technical ease, complications, and aesthetic outcomes.
Results:
Complete and sustained resolution of symptoms was achieved in 56 of 59 patients (95%). Three patients required re-exploration due to persistent symptoms. The nail plate remained intact in all cases. Temporary instability at the everted margin of the nail was reported in a few patients and resolved with light taping within 8-10 days. Complete nail regrowth with a normal appearance was observed between 10 and 12 weeks postoperatively. No significant nail deformities were noted.
Conclusion:
The nail-preserving approach is an effective and reliable method for the excision of subungual glomus tumors. It minimizes postoperative discomfort and reduces the risk of nail bed injury and deformity, thereby supporting faster return to hand function.
Insights
A new nail-preserving surgical technique effectively removes subungual glomus tumors, achieving a 95% success rate. This approach avoids nail plate removal, minimizing complications and preserving hand function.
Area of Science:
- Hand surgery
- Oncology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Glomus tumors are rare hand neoplasms (1-4.5% of hand tumors).
- Conventional surgery often involves nail plate removal, leading to complications.
- Subungual glomus tumors present unique surgical challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a nail-preserving surgical approach for subungual glomus tumors.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of this technique.
- To minimize postoperative morbidity and nail deformities.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 61 glomus tumor cases (2002-2022).
- Focus on 59 subungual tumors treated with a nail-preserving technique.
- Assessment of surgical reproducibility, complications, and aesthetic outcomes.
Main Results:
- 95% (56/59) of patients achieved symptom resolution.
- Nail plate remained intact in all cases.
- Full nail regrowth with normal appearance observed within 12 weeks; no significant deformities.
Conclusions:
- The nail-preserving approach is effective for subungual glomus tumor excision.
- This method reduces postoperative discomfort and nail bed injury.
- Preserves nail integrity, facilitating a faster return to hand function.
