AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF R ING AVULS ION IN JURIES AND TWO PREVENTIVE DEVICES

We have performed biomechanical experiments on fresh cadaveric fingers to test two modifications to normal rings which may prevent ring avuision injuries. One of these modifications produced reliable protection against ring avulsion accidents and was undetectable. It thus does not reduce the symbolic value of a wedding ring. Journal of Hand Surgery (British and European VohmTe, 2000) 25B: 5:418-421 Pulling a ring from the " finger may tear the skin, subcutaneous tissues, nerves and blood vessels. It may also avulse the entire finger, resulting in a complete degloving amputation. Since the first report of this injury (Crawford et al., 1952), the frequency of such accidents has been estimated at up to 200 or 350 cases per year in a population of 60 million (Bianchi et al., 1969; Carrol, 1974; Davalli and Zarotti, 1959; Hoist-Nielsen, 1980), which represents 13 to 15 % of all finger amputations. Major functional disability, cosmetic impairment and costly compensation i surance can result from these accidents, which usually occur in people of working age with large financial responsibil