Ainhum: A clinical summary of forty-five cases on the isthmus of Panama

Kean, B. H.; Tucker, Harold A.; Miller, William C.

doi:10.1016/0035-9203(46)90045-4

Cited by 12 publications

(4 citation statements)

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“…Generally, ainhum is painless in the absence of secondary infection, although there are some reports that suggest there may be some pain in the early stages due to compression of the nerve by the constricting band (2). Chronic fissuring, ulceration and infection are well‐described complications of this condition and are the cause of pain, which often brings the patient to the practitioner (2–5). It is important to treat any infection aggressively as in our case.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 91%

“…Our patient also presented with severe pain and infection. In a previous series, pain was a severe complication in 44 out of 45 patients requiring amputation of the affected toe (5). Generally, ainhum is painless in the absence of secondary infection, although there are some reports that suggest there may be some pain in the early stages due to compression of the nerve by the constricting band (2).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…There is, however, no evidence to suggest that any of these treatments will halt the progression of the disease once the bone is involved as it was in our case. Amputation of the toe is also a well‐described treatment for this condition (1–5).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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An unusual cause of ulceration: ainhum (dactylolysis spontanea)

Jemmott

Foster²,

Edmonds

2007

International Wound Journal

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We describe a case of ainhum, a mutilating condition, usually seen in peoples of West African origin. A patient presented at the Diabetic Foot Clinic, Kings College Hospital, with a painful infected ulcer between the fourth and fifth toe of his right foot. He was a 43-year-old Nigerian and did not have diabetes. He reported that his left fifth toe had autoamputated some months before. Radiograph of the right fifth toe showed absorption of the proximal and intermediate phalanges, and a diagnosis of ainhum was made. Ainhum or dactylolysis spontanea is a rare condition of unknown aetiology in which a groove or fissure of constricting tissue forms around the proximal end of the fifth toe. Eventually, the groove extends to encircle the toe, the underlying structures are absorbed and the toe autoamputates. It may present as chronic fissuring at the base of the fifth toe or as foot ulceration. This condition is seldom seen in the United Kingdom, but it is likely that this condition is underdiagnosed. It is important that wound care specialists be aware of the diagnosis.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 91%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

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An unusual cause of ulceration: ainhum (dactylolysis spontanea)

Jemmott

Foster²,

Edmonds

2007

International Wound Journal

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“…The term “ainhum” was first described by a Brazilian physician called da Silva Lima in the year 1867 [6]. With regards to epidemiology, ainhum is an extremely rare dermatological disease with prevalence rates reported at 2.2% [1], 0.2% [7] and 0.015% [8] in Nigeria, Congo, and Panama, respectively. It has rarely been reported in Europe and Asia [3].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ainhum, a rare mutilating dermatological disease in a female Cameroonian: a case report

et al. 2019

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Background Ainhum is an idiopathic dermatological disease characterized by a progressive constricting ring usually on the fifth toe, which may lead to spontaneous auto-amputation of the affected toe. Timely diagnosis and treatment are the key elements to avert amputations with resultant mutilating deformities, permanent handicaps and psychological sequelae. Though common in African descents, this pathology has not been described in the Cameroonian literature. Herein, we report the case of an adult Cameroonian woman presenting with ainhum. Case presentation A 54-year old Cameroonian was admitted to our primary healthcare centre with a 6-month history of a painful constriction band developing at the base of her right fifth toe. Her past history was uneventful. Based on the absence of trauma and spontaneous onset of the condition, the diagnosis of ainhum was most suggestive. She was managed surgically by excision of the band, disarticulated at right fifth metatarsophalangeal joint and skin closure. Her post-operative course after 1 year was uneventful. Conclusion Here we presented a case of ainhum, a rare dermatological disease with few reports. In view of the serious complications of ainhum such as mutilating deformities with permanent physical disabilities and psychological trauma, we draw clinicians’ attention, especially wound care specialists to this rare but potentially handicapping disease, for timely diagnosis and management.

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Report of two additional cases and an analysis of the pathogenesis of ainhum on the isthmus of Panama

Butz¹,

Elton

1950

Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygi

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Ainhum: A clinical summary of forty-five cases on the isthmus of Panama

Cited by 12 publications

References 1 publication

An unusual cause of ulceration: ainhum (dactylolysis spontanea)

An unusual cause of ulceration: ainhum (dactylolysis spontanea)

Ainhum, a rare mutilating dermatological disease in a female Cameroonian: a case report

Report of two additional cases and an analysis of the pathogenesis of ainhum on the isthmus of Panama

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