Annular constricting bands
Overview
Bands of amniotic tissue which can constrict parts of the body (especially the limbs) and result in deformity, swelling or even amputation of a body part. The severity and part of the body involved varies from case to case.
Symptoms
- Limb swelling
- Clubfoot
- Limb deformity
- Limb amputation
- Digital amputation
- Digital deformity
Treatment
- Surgeon to stage at least two Z-plasties to remove the constriction band
- Currently many recommend removal of the entire band at one operation
- When bands involve the digits, extreme care must be exercised to prevent necrosis of the tips of the already shortened digits
- Syndactyly: - must be released and the bones aligned to create three or four fingers