Epidemiology
A benign lesion that typically appears under the nail of the great toe —although it can also affect other toes or the fingers—, most often in adolescents and young adults. The main problem is usually pain and nail deformity; a lateral X-ray of the affected digit confirms that the lesion arises from the distal bone.
Basic features
It causes pain, nail deformity, or swelling at the tip of the digit, and on X-ray it appears as a bony projection.
Usual treatment
Local resection is considered when there is pain, deformity, or difficulty wearing shoes or using the affected digit.
Outcomes and prognosis
The outlook is usually excellent if it is completely resected and the nail matrix is protected; recurrence is related mainly to incomplete resection.