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Hair Tourniquet Syndrome

JONATHAN D ADAMS, MD and Dongsheng Jiang, MS, MD Reviewed 06/2021
 


BASICS

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

DESCRIPTION

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

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

  • Attempt to unwind and remove t...

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
Aslantürk O, Özbey R, Yılmaz Ö, Ergen E. Hair tourniquet syndrome of toes and fingers in infants. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc. 2019 Jul;53(4):306-309.
2
De Vitis LA, Barba M, Lazzarin S, et a...

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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