Ainhum - A Rare Case Report.

PubMed

Prabhu, Ravi; Kannan, Narayanasamy Subbaraju; Vinoth, Sundaresan; Praveen, Chinnappan Balasubramanian

2016-04-01

The term 'AINHUM' is derived from the African word meaning 'to saw or cut'. True ainhum otherwise called dactylolysis spontanea is a condition involving soft tissue or digits with constricting rings commonly presenting in fifth toes, usually bilateral. It is to be differentiated from Pseudo-ainhum that occurs secondary to some hereditary and nonhereditary diseases that lead to annular constriction of digits. We report a rare case of true ainhum involving the left fourth toe only. It is a very rare case and a very few were reported worldwide. The highest incidence of ainhum has been reported in South Africa and South America. It is rarely reported in India. Ainhum when diagnosed and treated in early stages can be prevented from progressing to mutilating deformities.

A woman with a dangling digit.

PubMed

Roesch, Alexander; Kinner, Bernd; Schaechinger, Ulrich; Obermann, Ellen C; Landthaler, Michael; Hohenleutner, Ulrich

2007-11-01

Ainhum (dactylolysis spontanea) is a distinct clinical and radiological disorder of dark-skinned people characterized by a progressive development of a constricting band encircling the toe which usually results in spontaneous amputation. Ainhum mainly occurs in African natives, but in times of global migration and tourism, Ainhum is likely to be more often encountered outside Africa. Even though the clinical presentation can mimic more common entities such as arthritis and trauma, the correct diagnosis and treatment is easy if one knows this unusual entity.