Abstract

SEFEANE, T; ADEN, A  and  PETERS, F. Subungual glomus tumours: Report on 11 cases. SA orthop. j. [online]. 2013, vol.12, n.3, pp.42-45. ISSN 2309-8309.

Subungual glomus tumours are debilitating tumours that arise from the glomus body in the distal aspect of the digit. They normally present with a triad of severe pain in the digit, cold sensitivity, and point tenderness. There is normally a bluish discolouration under the nail, pin-point tenderness and severe pain with exposure to cold. There is typically a long delay from onset of symptoms and diagnosis. We present a series of 11 patients who were typically all misdiagnosed multiple times, surgically treated at the Helen Joseph Hospital, Johannesburg, between 2008 and 2012. We conclude that the diagnosis of glomus tumours should be clinical with meticulous history-taking and a high index of suspicion and careful examination. Special investigations are usually not necessary.

Keywords : glomus tumour; pin-point tenderness.

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