RUBBER BAND (DHAGA) SYNDROME
Children have a tendency to try on anything and everything and one
such object is a colourful and innocently docile looking RUBBER
BAND.
In children less than 4 years old it has been seen to cause
Catastrophic damage as it burrows through the skin, cutting across
the nerves and tendons causing loss of function of the hand.
Unfortunately the child cannot give a reliable history and in this
growing phase the skin grows over it leaving behind a circular scar
which may pour out pus at various intervals.
Total of 15 cases are reported in literature and we have been able to
restore function in two such children.
Warning Signs:
1.
Circular
scar across the wrist of the child.
2.
Child
keeps complaining of pain in hand.
3.
Child
stops using one hand and does not allow anyone to touch it.
4.
Frequent
ulcers or pus discharge from the scar around the wrist.
5.
Paralysis
of the hand.
Treatment:
1.
High
degree of suspicion is needed for making a diagnosis of Rubber band Syndrome.
2.
MRI
is Gold Standard Investigation of Choice.
3.
Surgical
Exploration and removal of the Rubber band.
4.
Exploration
and repair of the Nerves to prevent residual neurological deficit.
