Hair tourniquet syndrome: A retrospective study.

Abstract

Hair thread tourniquet syndrome (HTS) is a pediatric condition in which human hair or synthetic fiber encircles and strangulates a body appendage causing tissue necrosis. Few epidemiologic studies have been done. Our objective was to better define the demographics, clinical features, and predisposing factors for this condition. Medical records of all infants up to 1 year old seen in the orthopedic emergency department of Galilee Medical Center were searched for the diagnosis of HTS or its ICD equivalent. Forty-one cases of hair tourniquet syndrome (HTS) were reviewed. Most cases (68%) occurred during the winter months (December to February). There were no reports between June to August (summer). The median age was 4months and the male-to-female ratio was approximately 2:5. Toes were significantly more involved than fingers (97.5%) and the 3rd toe was the most affected (58%). Nine patients (21.9%) had more than one toe affected and only one case reported finger involvement. HTS in our population is a phenomenon that seems to occur mostly in winter. Infants between 3 and 5months are at greater risk. Toes are more affected than fingers. The most involved toes are the 3rd and 4th.