Removal of a hardened steel ring from an extremely swollen finger

For several years various authors have discussed the removal of rings from swollen fingers. Removal normally has involved cutting the ring, but nondestructive methods of removal using string frequently have been recommended as well. A case is reported of a patient who presented with a hardened roller bearing on an extremely swollen index finger, which defied all attempts at removal by previously successful methods. A new yet simple method was developed that eliminated the edema and permitted the removal of the hardened ring. The entire finger distal to the ring was wrapped with a tight, elastic band that reduced the edema and freed the ring. Evaluation of the progress of the edema reversal was permitted by using a blood pressure cuff as a tourniquet. The blood pressure cuff, which was used while the elastic band was removed, prevented the refill of the tissue while the finger was examined. Four sessions of compression lasting approximately 10 to 15 minutes each with the elastic band were necessary to eliminate the edema and release the ring. The ring was finally removed utilizing a short piece of string to ease it over a small laceration.