Hair Tourniquet Syndrome in an Infant

An 11-week-old infant presented with hair tourniquet syndrome, a rare emergency where appendages are strangulated by hair or fibers, causing swelling and discoloration of the left second toe. The infant underwent urgent surgical release of the constricting band, resulting in a successful outcome. The case highlights the importance of recognizing this condition and the necessity for prompt, complete surgical intervention. The syndrome is infrequent and not widely described in general orthopaedic texts, though it can lead to severe complications like tissue necrosis or autoamputation if not treated. The paper suggests that awareness and education, particularly among new parents, could help prevent such cases and improve management and outcomes.