Ring Entrapment of the Finger in a Psychiatric Patient

Abstract

Ring entrapment of the finger is an uncommon occurrence in our environment and is usually amenable to conservative treatment by removal of the entrapped ring. Gangrene of the affected digit is rare. This is a report of a 57-year-old schizophrenic who developed ulceration, severe oedema and gangrene of the right middle finger following entrapment by a ring like motor spare part. Disarticulation at the metacarpophalangeal joint was necessary. The gangrene was possibly due to a combination of severe oedema, infection or a Raynaud's like phenomenon.

(Nig J Surg Res 2001;3:37-40)



KEY WORDS:

Ring, finger entrapment, gangrene, psychiatric illness