Distal phalangeal reconstruction for recurrent intraosseous epidermoid cyst of the finger - a case report.

Intraosseous epidermoid cyst of the finger phalanx is rare. We report a case of postoperative recurrent intraosseous epidermoid cyst of the distal phalanx of the ring finger. To prevent further recurrence while maintaining morphology and function, the distal half of the distal phalanx that included the epidermoid cyst was resected to completely remove the lesion. The distal phalanx was then reconstructed by grafting corticocancellous bone from the ilium and shaped into a distal phalanx. The operation was performed using a through-the-nail approach, temporarily removing the nail and placing a longitudinal incision in the nail bed to approach the phalanx. Postoperatively, bone fusion was achieved without recurrence and the shape of the distal phalanx was normal. Distal phalangeal hypertrophy and nail plate deformity also normalized and excellent results were obtained.