Tongue Entrapment in an Aluminium Milk Can: An Unusual Cause of Tongue Injury

Abstract

Peri-oral injuries are common findings in paediatric patients; however, tongue injury following entrapment in bottles and cans is rare and has not been reported in our locality. A case of a 9- year old previously healthy female child who got her tongue tightly entrapped in an half opened aluminium milk can while in school is hereby presented. This case highlights the result of careless and often dangerous play and misadventures of children and the challenge of management. It calls for vigilance and close supervision of children by caregivers at home and at school. Early presentation, immediate intervention and treatment can prevent grave consequences.