Hair Tourniquet Syndrome of the Toe: Report of Two New Cases

December 2009 in “ Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics ”

Serafín García-Mata, Ángel Hidalgo-Ovejero

Hair Tourniquet Syndrome HTS tissue strangulation dorsal paratendinous incisions amputation pediatric orthopaedic

Studysummary This report describes two cases of toe tourniquet syndrome in infants, highlighting the importance for pediatric orthopedic practitioners to diagnose and manage it promptly, suggesting a specific incision method to release hair strangulation if removal is challenging.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The document presents two cases of Hair Tourniquet Syndrome (HTS), where a hair or fiber wrapped tightly around the toes of an 18-month-old girl and a 5-month-old boy, causing tissue strangulation. Despite initial non-surgical attempts to remove the hair, surgery was required, involving dorsal paratendinous incisions to release the constriction. The report highlights the challenges in diagnosing HTS, especially when the hair is not visible, and underscores the importance of early detection and management to prevent severe outcomes like amputation. It recommends a specific surgical approach for severe cases and emphasizes the need for parental vigilance to prevent this condition. The paper aims to increase awareness within the pediatric orthopaedic community about HTS and the necessity of prompt intervention.

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research Hair Tourniquet Syndrome in an Infant

14 citations , February 2007 in “The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery”

This case report describes successful treatment of an 11-week-old infant with hair thread tourniquet syndrome causing toe swelling, highlighting the condition's rarity and the critical need for prompt surgical intervention.

research Hair-Thread Tourniquet Syndrome in an Infant With Bony Erosion

43 citations , September 2006 in “Annals of Plastic Surgery”

This article presents a unique case of hair-thread tourniquet syndrome in a 3-month-old, with a hair causing bony erosion of the toe, and includes a literature review and meta-analysis.

research Toe-Tourniquet Syndrome: A Diagnostic Dilemma

22 citations , July 2006 in “Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England”

This case report aims to raise physician awareness about 'toe-tourniquet' syndrome, which can lead to digit loss if not promptly treated, and to prevent its misdiagnosis as child abuse.

research Hair-Tourniquet Syndrome: Multiple Toes and Bilaterality

21 citations , July 2005 in “European Journal of Emergency Medicine”

This case report discusses hair-tourniquet syndrome in infants, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent serious complications.

research Hair-Thread Tourniquet Syndrome

37 citations , March 2005 in “Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health”

This case report and review discuss hair-thread tourniquet syndrome in a 14-year-old autistic child, highlighting its rarity and the misconception of it being linked to abuse or socio-cultural practices.

research Toe Tourniquet Syndrome in Association With Maternal Hair Loss

45 citations , March 2003 in “Pediatrics”

This case report describes the first known association between maternal telogen effluvium and hair-thread tourniquet syndrome in infants, suggesting that informing new parents about hair loss may prevent toe tourniquet syndrome.