This child was born with an abnormality of the hand including a markedly swollen finger. There are several important findings in these 2 pictures.
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Amniotic constriction band with swollen finger. |
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Amniotic constriction band with swollen finger. |
If we look closely at the two pictures, there is a dark cord which can be seen just past the swollen digit. It is a very small amniotic constriction band. This band is wrapped around the finger and, when noticed, it can be removed. These bands are not seen in most patients with amniotic constriction band, but one theory on amniotic constriction band holds that the bands may be the cause of the swelling or even amputation of fingers. Unfortunately, removing the band does not mean that the finger will survive but it may increase the odds. Sometimes, there is also an area of scarring which may limit blood flow and release of such an area may also increase the likelihood of survival of the finger.
In this patient, the band was removed and an area of scar tissue released in the hoops of allowing better blood flow. Unfortunately, fingers with this degree of swelling probably will not survive. Thankfully, as noted above, this child will have excellent function.
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