Thermal Burn Injury from a Wedding Ring: An Unusual Case

Abstract

Thermal ring injuries are rarely reported in the literature. For this reason, treatment is varied without a standard approach. We describe a case of a thermal wedding ring injury sustained during a welding accident. It is critical to understand the 3 zones of burn injuries when managing these infrequent cases. Furthermore, the dynamic progression that ensues a thermal burn will directly affect outcome. A case is presented along with a graduated approach to the management of such injuries.

Introduction

Overall, injuries to the digits from alloy rings are particularly rare. An overwhelming majority reported in the literature are from avulsion type of injuries. Urbaniak et al.¹ described the classification and management of ring avulsion injuries in 1981. The treatment of avulsion injuries ranges from conservative treatment to amputation. To date, there have been few cases reported in the literature of a thermal injury caused by a ring. Given the paucity of literature on thermal ring injuries, presented is an approach to this atypical electrothermal burn injury.