Ring/Constricting Band Removal

Basics

Description

  • Primary constricting band: A band tightened or placed around an appendage causes swelling and pain (eg, a hair knotted around a toddler’s toe)
  • Secondary constricting band: Injury or disease process that causes swelling and edema as a result of tightness against the band (eg, impacted ring with an underlying fracture of the finger)
  • Untreated, the constricting band may become embedded and interrupt skin integrity
  • Tourniquet syndrome occurs when anything causes a constriction and there is distal tissue compromise

Pediatric Considerations

In the preverbal child, a constricting band may be a manifestation of child abuse or neglect. It should also be considered as a cause of inconsolable crying

Geriatric Considerations

The cognitively impaired nursing home resident or Alzheimer patient may be unable to give an indication of injury or pain

Etiology

Tourniquet syndrome may result from allergic, dermatologic, iatrogenic, endocrinologic, infectious, malignant, metabolic, physiologic, or traumatic conditions, or it may be related to pregnancy, or sexual misadventure

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