Dhaga Syndrome: Unveiling Two Cases and Navigating Diagnosis and Treatment

Abstract

Dhaga Syndrome, also known as rubber band syndrome, is an exceptionally rare condition predominantly observed in children from the Indian subcontinent. Characterized by the inadvertent forgetting of threads or elastic bands worn for religious or decorative purposes around the wrist or forearm, progressively resulting in constriction and damage to the underlying structures. The hallmark feature of this syndrome is the presence of a circumferential constricting scar accompanied by a discharging sinus. We report on two cases of Dhaga syndrome, both presenting with a painful, swollen hand accompanied by a circumferential scar. One case was attributed to a religious thread, while the other resulted from a rubber band. Diagnosis primarily relies on a high level of clinical suspicion; however, radiographs displaying the constricting sign can provide valuable diagnostic assistance. The treatment of choice involves surgical exploration, with the removal of the constricting band.

Keywords

• acquired constricting band syndrome
• dhaga syndrome
• rubber band syndrome