Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
03:59
Surgical Correction for Pediatric Epiblepharon and Trichiasis
Published on: July 8, 2025
Localized acquired hypertrichosis associated with the application of a splint
Alexander K C Leung1, Andrew S Wong
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Alberta Children's Hospital, AB, Canada T2M 0H5.
Case Reports in Pediatrics
|May 19, 2012
Summary
A pediatric patient developed localized acquired hypertrichosis on his forearm and hand after splint immobilization. This unusual hair growth resolved spontaneously over several months.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Neurology
Background:
- A 16-year-old male sustained a laceration to his left forearm and hand from broken glass.
- Surgical repair was performed for the extensor pollicis brevis, abductor pollicis brevis, and the dorsal branch of the radial nerve.
- A splint was applied for immobilization of the left forearm and wrist post-operatively.
Observation:
- Following splint removal at 4 weeks, increased hair growth (hypertrichosis) was observed on the left forearm and hand compared to the contralateral side.
- The patient was monitored for 8 months post-splint removal.
- The hypertrichosis gradually improved over the follow-up period.
Findings:
- This case represents the first reported instance of localized acquired hypertrichosis in a pediatric patient secondary to splint application.
- The hypertrichosis resolved spontaneously without intervention.
- Full resolution of abnormal hair growth was noted by 8 months post-splint removal.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare, transient side effect of splinting in pediatric patients.
- It suggests a potential link between immobilization and localized changes in hair growth.
- Further investigation may be warranted to understand the underlying mechanisms of splint-induced hypertrichosis.
