Annular Band Syndrome

Discussion

• annular bands may present clinically with either complete amputation of part of thumb as well as the rest of the hand;
• constriction bands higher up in the arm, causing severe edema in parts distal to the constriction band;
• annular bands are often associated w/ acrosyndactyly;
• annular band syndrome is sporadic, not inherited;
• inherent in this anomaly are hypoplasia, brachydactyly, symphalangism, symbrachydactyly, and congenital amputations;

Treatment

• in past, recommended treatment called for the surgeon to stage at least two Z-plasties to remove the constriction band;
• currently many recommend removal of the entire band at one operation;
• when bands involve the digits, extreme care must be exercised to prevent necrosis of the tips of the already shortened digits;
• syndactyly:
  • must be released and the bones aligned to create three or four fingers

• Annular constricting bands.
• Congenital constriction band syndrome.
• The four-flap Z-plasty.