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Rubber band constriction of the wrist
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Natal, Durban, South Africa.
Insights
Decorative rubber bands on infant wrists caused unnoticed swelling and hand complications. Prompt surgical intervention and community education are crucial to prevent such injuries in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric surgery
- Medical device safety
Background:
- Decorative bands are sometimes placed on infants by older children.
- Parental supervision is critical to prevent potential harm from foreign objects.
Observation:
- Two infants experienced significant hand swelling after unnoticed placement of rubber bands around their wrists.
- Swelling occurred over several hours, indicating a gradual constriction.
Findings:
- The rubber bands led to dangerous constriction, necessitating medical intervention.
- Early decompression of the carpal tunnel and fasciotomy of the hand dorsum were required.
Implications:
- Highlights the need for increased vigilance regarding foreign objects on infants.
- Emphasizes the importance of community education to prevent similar pediatric emergencies.
- Underscores the potential for severe complications from seemingly innocuous items.
Abstract:
We report the effects of rubber bands placed as decorative bands around the wrists of two infants by older children. These bands went unnoticed by their parents for several hours until swelling of the hand occurred. Early decompression of the carpal tunnel and fasciotomy of the dorsum of the hand are recommended. Education of the community is important in avoiding complications from placement of these rubber bands around an extremity.