Subungual Exostosis Podiatric Library

Subungual Exostosis

Subungual exostosis refers to the abnormal bony projection formed on the bone present under the nail (distal phalanx). This bony projection is covered by a cartilage cap and is categorized as a benign tumor consisting of bone and cartilage.

An exostosis is a medical term referring to an abnormal bony growth on the surface of a bone.

• EX = out of,

• OST. (Osteon) = bone,

• OSIS = abnormal condition.

The spur is found equally in men and women and usually presents with an onset between the ages of 30 and 50 years of age.

Diagnosis is made with a lateral x-ray of the foot that shows a pronounced bone spur on the dorsal, distal tip of the distal phalanx of the great toe.

The symptoms of a subungual bone spur include pain with direct pressure to the toe nail. A subungual bone spur is often difficult to differentiate from a chronic ingrown nail. A subungual exostosis presents with no swelling or redness and is typically diagnosed by placing direct pressure to the nail. A slight discoloration of the nail may be seen in severe cases where the nail bed has been disrupted.

The most common contributing factor to pain with a subungual exostosis is a tight toe box on the shoe. Hyperextension of the great toe at the interphalangeal joint may make the tip of the toe prone to rub against the toe box. Symptoms of a subungual exostosis may be improved or made worse by the type of shoe worn. For instance, steel toed boots would contribute to the symptoms of a subungual exostosis while an open toe sandal would improve symptoms. Conservative care of a subungual exostosis includes modification of shoes to avoid direct pressure to the toe. Padding can be used to cushion the toe.

What does surgery involve?

An incision is made along the top of the toe allowing access to the bony spur. This is freed from the surrounding bone and removed. The bone is smoothed and the skin sewn together, generally with a non-dissolvable stitch. The operation usually takes about 20-30 minutes.

You will have a bulky dressing on your foot and you will be given a post-operative boot to wear. The benefit of this procedure is that healing is usually rapid and crutches are not usually necessary afterwards. After the operation you will return to the ward, eat and start taking your painkillers. Your surgeon will then visit you to answer any questions and discharge you from hospital.

You should not drive after foot surgery and should be accompanied home by a responsible adult.

How will I feel afterwards?

Although long-acting local anaesthetic, administered during the procedure, should control most of the pain for about 8 to 10 hours, you can expect some pain or discomfort after the operation. Painkillers will be discussed with you prior to your operation and you should bring these with you on the day of surgery.

Recovering from surgery

What are the possible risks and complications?

The successful outcome of any operation cannot be guaranteed. The following information outlines the more common complications relating to foot surgery in general and more specifically to the type of operation that you are having. General complications of foot surgery.

• Pain: There will be post-operative pain. For most people the pain passes after 24-48 hours and is tolerable with regular painkillers (following dosage recommendations).

• Swelling: This is a normal outcome of any operation. The extent of post-operative swelling varies and cannot be predicted. In some people the swelling reduces within a matter of weeks and in others could take many months. Regular ice packs can greatly reduce the swelling.

• Infection: There is a small risk of infection with all surgery. If this occurs it will be treated with relevant antibiotics. Look out for redness and discharge from the wound.

• Deep Vein Thrombosis: Also known as Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), this is a rare complication of foot surgery under local anaesthetic. The risk increases if you are having a general anaesthetic. There is also an increased risk if you take the contraceptive pill, HRT or smoke. Immobilising the leg in a cast also increases the risk of a DVT. If you have had a DVT in the past, please tell your surgeon. If you do have certain risk factors you will have an injection to thin your blood on the day of surgery. This might need to be repeated for up to 7 days following surgery.

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): This is a rare but difficult complication. It is an abnormal response of the nervous system to surgery but can also happen after simple trauma. This can lead to a variety of painful sensations in the foot, which require medical and pain relieving techniques.

• Scarring: As a result of your surgery you will have a scar on your foot. To begin with the scar will be raised, red and sensitive but with time it will normally settle.

Specific complications of subungual exostectomy

• In some cases, the joint of the toe may become thicker with time.

• The deformity can re-occur and the bony spur can re-grow.

• The toe may be swollen after the operation, rarely this can persist.

• Sometimes the scar line is sore. This will normally ease with time.

• The nail bed may become damaged and the nail might drop off. This will usually re-grow but the nail may be permanently damaged.

• Skin sensation may be altered, possibly permanently. This is not usually a problem.

Any concerns you may have during the first 24 hours following your discharge from hospital, please telephone the Hospital or Surgical contact number for Mr O’Neill’s team.