Glomus tumors of the digit: A retrospective analysis of clinical and functional outcomes

Abstract

Background: Glomus apparatus maintains flow in capillaries in response to changes in temperature. Glomus tumors are rare perivascular hamartomas arising from glomus bodies at fingertips. They are associated with classic triad of symptoms including paroxysmal pain, cold hypersensitivity, and pinpoint tenderness. Due to its rarity and peculiar presentation, they are often misdiagnosed and inappropriately treated. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice either by transungual or lateral periosteal approach. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the cases of glomus tumors that were operated in the past 5 years in our institute. Patient demographic details, clinical features, imaging parameters, operative details, photographs and complications if any during follow up were analysed. QuickDASH was the primary statistical parameter, and change in QuickDASH score was analyzed with paired t-test. Results: The average age at diagnosis was 29.77 years. The male-to-female ratio was 1:5. The mean duration of symptoms is 10.08 months. The mean preoperative QuickDASH score was 25.27 (range: 11.25–34). The mean follow-up was 26.7 months (range: 6–48 months). At 6-month follow-up, the mean score was 1.52 (range: 0–13.64). The difference in mean scores was 23.7708 with significant P < 0.001. Conclusion: Glomus tumors are rare but debilitating lesions. They are often misdiagnosed and intervened inappropriately before arriving at an actual diagnosis. With complete excision by magnification-assisted surgery, quality of life generally improves, and recurrence is prevented.