Painful pelvic constriction band syndrome: a case report

Plastic Surgeons, by training, are familiar with constriction bands of the fingers and toes. The purpose of this report is to discuss the management of a rare constriction band syndrome that was almost circumferential at the level of the T12 dermatome, and is most appropriately considered a pelvic constriction band as it was below the umbilicus. The patient had constriction bands about the toes at birth, and was also noted to have a band circumferentially below the umbilicus, which did not cause any distress and was not treated. When the patient entered high school and began to lift weights, play football, and have a growth spurt of 2 inches, he began to experience pain below each costal margin and over the iliac crest bilaterally. His physical examination demonstrated pain in the region of the subcostal nerve and the lateral cutaneous branches of L2 as they crossed the iliac crest. By CAT scan, the band appeared to include the rectus fascia. The band was excised to a depth that included the external oblique fascia and preserved the anterior rectus sheath. Small branches of the subcostal nerves and the lateral branches of L2 were killed, and, where appropriate, they were implanted into the external oblique muscle. Closure was obtained by undermining, and a Z-plasty was not included. Healing was without complications and gave an improved appearance to the trunk. At 6 months after surgery, he had resumed college-level rugby and had no further pain related to the constriction band.