Closed Ring Avulsion Injury With Isolated Arterial Insufficiency

Ring avulsion injuries are an uncommon, often catastrophic, pattern of digit injuries that result from sudden traction onto a ring-bearing digit. The reconstructive treatment of these injuries can be complex because of the characteristic involvement of nerves, muscles, vasculature, and bone. There is paucity of literature describing isolated arterial injuries in the absence of overlying soft tissue and underlying bone involvement. We present an unusual case of a closed ring avulsion injury, wherein a patient initially presented to his local urgent care center with a cool and pale digit without wounds or fractures, and abnormal pulse oximetry readings prompted his transfer to a tertiary care center for further evaluation. Surgical exploration demonstrated isolated disruption of both digital arteries and the preservation of both digital nerves. The digit was successfully revascularized with venous autografting and stripping of arterial thrombi.