Child Abuse Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Child Abuse, including details on family violence, examinations, long-term effects, psychiatrics disorders.

Toe-tourniquet syndrome: a diagnostic dilemma!

Lohana P, Vashishta GN, Price N

Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, UK. Lohana28@hotmail.co.uk

Strangulation of digits, the 'toe-tourniquet' syndrome needs prompt intervention as failure to recognise the condition can lead to ischaemia and loss of the appendage. It is a common condition though relatively under reported. Those who deal with children more frequently are aware of the condition but this is not the case for all medical practitioners and hence the diagnostic dilemma for accidental injury or child abuse arises.We report this case to increase physician awareness of the syndrome, to highlight the importance of early release of the tourniquet and to avoid misinterpretation of the condition as child abuse.

Published 12 July 2006 in Ann R Coll Surg Engl, 88(4): W6-8.
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