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Hair Tourniquet Syndrome

Jonathan D. Adams, MD and Dongsheng Jiang, MS, MD Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

The ischemic strangulation of a child’s (usually) body part due to human hair or other fibrous material 

DESCRIPTION

  • Tight wrapping of an appendage such as the penis, fingers, toes, neck, or even...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Caregivers may have recognized the strangulation of the appendage or abnormal appearance.

  • Inability to console the child or persistent referred pain may be present (e.g., complaints of...

TREATMENT

ALERT 
  • Use of sharp instruments can cause further trauma.

 
  • If required, immediate referral for removal under IV sedation or general anesthesia

MEDICATION

First Line

  • When there are no signs of vas...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Regular follow-up with primary care provider until the injury site is fully healed 

PATIENT EDUCATION

  • Discuss the risk of this condition and review prevention strat...

REFERENCES

1
Kudzinskas A, Reed A, Mahdi M, et al. Evaluation of depilatory agents in the treatment of hair-thread tourniquet syndrome. J Emerg Med. 2021;61(5):507–516. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2021.07....

CODES

ICD10

  • S30.842A External constriction of penis, initial encounter

  • S90.446A External constriction, unspecified lesser toe(s), initial encounter

  • S60.449A External constriction of unspecified finger, i...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • This rare condition requires a high index of suspicion and thorough exam. A poorly consolable infant with no identifiable cause should be examined thoroughly to rule out hair tournique...

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