TLDR A hair tightly wrapped around a toddler's toe caused severe crying and was treated by surgery.
In 2008, a 14-month-old girl experienced inconsolable crying and refusal to feed due to acquired constriction ring syndrome (ACRS), where a hair was tightly wrapped around her left third toe. Initially missed in the emergency department, the condition was later identified by an orthopaedic team. The hair was surgically removed under general anesthesia, which resolved the child's symptoms. The case report highlighted the need for early recognition and treatment of ACRS to prevent severe outcomes like auto-amputation, and raised awareness about the potential for misdiagnosis as non-accidental injury. The authors recommended parental education to prevent ACRS and suggested including it in the differential diagnosis for acute swelling in infants and young children's appendages or genitalia.
14 citations,
February 2007 in “The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery” A baby's toe was saved from serious damage by quickly removing a hair wrapped tightly around it.
22 citations,
July 2006 in “Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England” Hair or fiber wrapped tightly around a toe can lead to serious injury if not treated quickly.
45 citations,
March 2003 in “Pediatrics” Baby's toe injury linked to mom's hair loss; check baby's toes and be careful with fruit gel snacks.
6 citations,
January 2013 in “Urology” An 8-year-old boy with bed-wetting issues suffered a severe penile injury from tying a thread around his penis, requiring urgent medical treatment to avoid worse outcomes.
17 citations,
December 2009 in “Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics” Two babies needed surgery to remove hair tightly wrapped around their toes to prevent serious injury.
3 citations,
December 2007 in “Injury Extra” An elderly man with dementia suffered limb damage from rubber bands around his leg, highlighting the need for careful monitoring to prevent such injuries.
November 2013 in “International Journal of Medical and Health Sciences” Doctors often miss Hair Tourniquet Syndrome, which can lead to serious damage if not treated quickly.
43 citations,
September 2006 in “Annals of Plastic Surgery” A hair wrapped tightly around an infant's toe caused severe damage, requiring early removal and possibly surgery to prevent worse outcomes like amputation.
