A Case of an Elderly Patient With Rubber Band Syndrome

Rubber band syndrome is a relatively rare disease in which a rubber band around a limb becomes embedded under the skin, resulting in tissue damage. Most reported cases are in children, and its occurrence in adults is considered extremely rare. We present a case of a 71-year-old patient with cognitive impairment, in whom a rubber band around the wrist became embedded under the skin. The examination of the distinctive circumferential scar, ultrasonography, x-ray, and magnetic resonance imaging led to the diagnosis of rubber band syndrome. To avoid further damage to the tissue, surgical removal of the band was conducted. When elderly patients with cognitive impairment present with chief complaints of swelling and contracture in the limbs due to an unknown cause, accompanied by a circumferential scar on the affected limb, rubber band syndrome should be considered. Due to risk of deep tissue necrosis, prompt band removal is necessary.