This article discusses the causes, symptoms, and risks of ring avulsions.
What Is Ring Avulsion?
A ring avulsion comes up whenever the ring crushes into the finger and is ripped away.
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It may not look like theres much damage, but the finger could be injured beneath the skin.
Sometimes, several layers of skin are pulled off during the accident.
If blood vessels are damaged, the blood supply to surrounding tissue can be cut off.
In severe cases, you may need surgery to repair blood vessels or tissue.
Symptoms of Ring Avulsion Injury
Getting your ring ripped off is painful.
There may be skin damage and bleeding, but it depends on the severity of the injury.
What Causes Ring Avulsion Injuries?
Dramatic stories and studies show that simple accidents can result in serious injuries.
The main concern is blood flow to and from the finger.
If blood flow is cut off, you could lose the finger.
Theres also a risk of arterial thrombosis, ablood clotin anartery.
If that were to develop, it would stop blood flow to major organs.
Two tests are usually used to measure blood flow:
Anorthopedic doctorwho specializes in hands should examine your finger.
Imaging tests are done to determine the extent of an avulsion and whether or not blood flow is impeded.
How Is Ring Avulsion Treated?
Never underestimate the potential for blood loss.
Doctors have had success mending serious injuries such as damaged blood vessels and severed tissue.
Still, theres the risk of finger loss in some very extreme cases.
Forcing the ring to come off when theres swelling or skin degloving can make the injury worse.
If your finger has been amputated:
Surgery
Ring avulsion injuries usually requiremicrovascularreconstructionsurgery.
Broken bones may also need to be reset.
If the injury falls within class 3, theres still a possibility your finger can be reattached.
Any time blood flow is lost, there is a chance blood vessels wont function right even after surgery.
Even class 2 avulsion injuries can cause circulation problems that lead to the need for amputation.
It is far less likely that a class 4 amputated finger will be reattached.
Recap
A ring avulsion is serious.
Some of these are required in some workplaces.
Its especially important if you know youre prone to accidents.
Wear a Silicone Ring
Rings made of silicone have become popular.
These inexpensive bands are designed to break if they get snagged on an object.
Some brands combine precious metals with the silicone to give them a sense of style and rarity.
Others are made specifically for outdoor enthusiasts and people with active lifestyles.
Summary
Ring avulsion injuries are rare but can be very serious.
Theyre usually because of accidents in the workplace or during physical labor.
Even if your finger looks fine, its important to have it checked by a healthcare provider.
Dont delay medical attention.
The moment an avulsion occurs, you should call 911 and start first aid right away.
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