Digital neurovascular compression due to a forgotten tourniquet

Abstract

The surgeon may, on occasion, wish to perform a relatively minor procedure on a single finger with some types of tourniquet at the base of the finger. A potential complication of a digital tourniquet is neurovascular damage due to excessive tissue pressure and prolonged application time. We presented a case where a hand surgery and digital tourniquet was forgotten on the finger for one and a half days. Although neurovascular compromise had occurred, the left index finger was successfully saved after extensive medical treatment and leech therapy.