Rubber Band Syndrome: A Rare Orthopaedic Condition in South Africa

Abstract

Religious or traditional bands are often placed around limbs of children. This practice may lead to the Rubber Band Syndrome, a rare paediatric condition mainly described in Asia. This study presents the first case of Rubber Band Syndrome reported in South Africa. The patient aged 18 months presented with a swollen right hand, a circumferential scar on the wrist and a discharging sinus. Under general anaesthesia, debridement revealed a yellow rubber band deep to the wrist flexors and neurovascular bundles. This was removed without repair of these structures. At 3-month follow up, function of the right hand was completely restored.