TLDR A hair wrapped tightly around an infant's toe caused severe damage, requiring early removal and possibly surgery to prevent worse outcomes like amputation.
The document reports on a 3-month-old infant with Hair-Thread Tourniquet Syndrome, where a hair had tightly wrapped around the infant's toe, causing skin and soft tissue damage and bony erosion. A literature review and meta-analysis included in the document identified over 200 cases, mostly in young patients and often accidental, though nonaccidental causes should be considered. The document highlights the necessity of early detection and removal of the constricting material to avoid severe outcomes, including amputation. It also notes the potential usefulness of x-rays in detecting deep tourniquets and the importance of careful evaluation before suggesting nonaccidental injury. Management may require surgical intervention and ongoing monitoring post-removal. The case is the first reported instance of bony erosion visible on x-ray due to this syndrome, and the document aims to increase awareness among healthcare professionals.
21 citations,
July 2005 in “European Journal of Emergency Medicine” Hair-tourniquet syndrome can cause serious toe injuries in infants but can be treated if found early.
37 citations,
March 2005 in “Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health” A hair strand caused a rare case of limb strangulation in a teenage girl with autism, and the condition is not always linked to child abuse.
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.
7 citations,
January 2014 in “Case reports in pediatrics” A baby's toe was severely damaged by a hair tourniquet, leading to bone and tendon damage, but improved after surgery and treatment.
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.
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.
7 citations,
August 2016 in “Nursing for Women's Health” To prevent and treat Hair-thread tourniquet syndrome in infants, keep a close eye on their limbs, manage maternal hair loss, and educate parents and healthcare providers.
2 citations,
November 2017 in “Case Reports” A baby boy's toe was saved from damage caused by hair strangulation by quick surgical treatment.
