Toe-tourniquet syndrome: a diagnostic dilemma!

Authors: Lohana, Parkash¹; Vashishta, Girish N.¹; Price, Neil¹

Source: Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England, Volume 88, Number 4, July 2006 , pp. W6-W8(1)

Publisher: The Royal College of Surgeons of England

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Abstract:

Strangulation of digits, the 'toe-tourniquet' syndrome needs prompt intervention as failure to recognise the condition can lead to ischaemia and loss of the appendage. It is a common condition though relatively under reported. Those who deal with children more frequently are aware of the condition but this is not the case for all medical practitioners and hence the diagnostic dilemma for accidental injury or child abuse arises.

We report this case to increase physician awareness of the syndrome, to highlight the importance of early release of the tourniquet and to avoid misinterpretation of the condition as child abuse.

Keywords: 'TOE-TOURNIQUET' SYNDROME; CHILD ABUSE; DIAGNOSTIC DILEMMA

Document Type: Case report

DOI: 10.1308/147870806X95276

Affiliations: 1: Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, UK

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