The "plastic bag syndrome". Compression of the digital neurovascular bundles by commercial plastic bags

We report a condition we call the "plastic bag syndrome" in which pressure on the neurovascular bundles causes temporary ischaemia in the distal part of the finger together with a neuropraxia of the digital nerves. Although in most cases the discomfort or numbness is fleeting, requires no medical assistance and is readily forgotten, in some instances the symptoms are such that medical advice is sought. Since the injury can lead to permanent damage and subsequent limitation in the use of the finger, we believe that the public should be advised to take simple precautions to prevent it from happening.