Osteoid Osteomata of the Distal Phalanx

Abstract

Osteoid osteomata are rarely found in the distal phalanges of the hand. The 23 cases in the English language literature are discussed and two additional cases are described. The usual presenting features are chronic pain, nail enlargement and increase in size of the terminal part of the digit. Diagnosis is difficult but surgical excision is effective for treating the patients' pain.