A ring injury occurs when a ring on your finger is suddenly pulled with a strong force, causing damage to the skin, soft tissue, blood vessels, nerves, or bones of your finger. Ring injuries are also known as ring avulsions or degloving injuries. They are rare, but serious injuries that can lead to severe pain, infection, loss of function, or even amputation of the finger.
What causes ring injury?
Ring injuries can be caused by various scenarios that involve a sudden pull on your ring, such as:
– Working with machinery or equipment that can catch your ring and pull it off.
– Falling and catching your ring on a fence, a door, or a counter.
– Playing sports and getting your finger pulled by another player or an object.
– Having your ring snagged by clothing, jewelry, or hair.
What are the symptoms of ring injury?
The symptoms of ring injury depend on the severity and extent of the damage to your finger. They may include:
– Part or all of your finger being pulled off or degloved (skin and soft tissue torn away from the bone).
– Bleeding, bruising, or discoloration of the finger.
– Pain, swelling, or numbness of the finger.
– Difficulty moving or using the finger normally.
– Loss of sensation or function of the finger.
How is ring injury diagnosed?
Ring injury is diagnosed by a physical examination and imaging tests, such as X-rays, to assess the damage to your finger and its structures. Your healthcare provider will also check your finger’s blood circulation and nerve function. They will use a classification system, such as the Urbaniak classification, to determine the severity of your ring injury. The Urbaniak classification has four classes:
– Class 1: Adequate blood circulation and ability to move the finger. The treatment involves standard bone and soft tissue repair.
– Class 2: Not enough blood circulation and difficulty moving the finger. The treatment involves vessel repair to restore blood flow.
– Class 3: Inadequate blood circulation with bone, tendon, or nerve injury. The treatment involves amputation of the finger.
– Class 4: Complete degloving or complete amputation of the finger. The treatment involves amputation of the finger.
How is ring injury treated?
The treatment of ring injury depends on the severity and extent of the damage to your finger. The treatment options may include:
– Local wound care: This involves cleaning and dressing the wound, applying antibiotics and tetanus prophylaxis, and monitoring for infection and healing. This is done for mild ring injuries with minimal soft tissue injury and no neurovascular injury.
– Replantation: This involves reattaching the amputated or degloved part of the finger to the remaining finger, using microsurgery to reconnect the blood vessels, nerves, tendons, and bones. This is done for moderate to severe ring injuries with disruption of venous and/or arterial flow, requiring revascularization. This may also involve vein grafts or joint fusion to restore the function and stability of the finger.
– Amputation: This involves removing the damaged part of the finger or the entire finger, if replantation is not possible or successful. This is done for severe ring injuries with extensive soft tissue, bone, tendon, nerve injury, or inadequate blood circulation.
How can ring injury be prevented?
The best way to prevent ring injury is to avoid wearing rings or jewelry on your fingers when you are doing activities that may involve a sudden pull on your ring, such as:
– Working with machinery or equipment that can catch your ring and pull it off.
– Falling and catching your ring on a fence, a door, or a counter.
– Playing sports and getting your finger pulled by another player or an object.
– Having your ring snagged by clothing, jewelry, or hair.
If you must wear a ring, you can choose a ring that is:
– Made of a softer material, such as silicone, that can break or stretch easily.
– Designed with a breakaway feature, such as a clasp or a hinge, that can release the ring from your finger.
– Fitted properly, so that it is not too tight or too loose on your finger.
Ring injury is a rare, but serious injury that can cause severe damage to your finger. By being aware of the causes and symptoms of ring injury, and taking precautions to prevent it, you can protect your finger and its function. If you experience a ring injury, seek medical attention immediately, as prompt treatment can improve the outcome and recovery of your finger.
