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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Could The Blue Silicone Band Left On My Toe After Surgery Cause Permanent Damage, Considering The Severe Blistering And Limited Sensation?

I recently broke my left big toe (tuft fracture). It popped the nail splitting the flesh underneath it. I had Ortho surgery to repair the nail bed and reset the bone. When the surgeon completed the procedure, he wrapped my toe with gauze etc. but left a blue silicone band on the base of the toe which limited circulation. It has been 12 days since then and I still have very limited sensation in my toe. The skin from the exact location where that band was, all the way to the tip of the toe, now looks as if it was sun burnt. All the skin immediately below that line looks perfectly normal. Severe blistering occurred around the toe where the band was. Is it possible permanent damage occurred as a result of that band being left on?
Thu, 3 Oct 2024
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,

Blue silicone band on the base of the toe left after surgery is used to help with healing and to keep the area stable. However, if left on for too long or if it causes excessive pressure, it can lead to issues such as restricted blood flow or nerve damage. Since you are having restricted sensation, discomfort and blistering you are advised to report to the treating surgeon urgently.

He can assess the situation and determine if the band needs to be adjusted or removed to prevent any long-term damage. In my opinion, it is better to get it removed before it causes complications like numbness or tingling, swelling or discoloration and pain or discomfort or long-term damage.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
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Could The Blue Silicone Band Left On My Toe After Surgery Cause Permanent Damage, Considering The Severe Blistering And Limited Sensation?

Hello, Blue silicone band on the base of the toe left after surgery is used to help with healing and to keep the area stable. However, if left on for too long or if it causes excessive pressure, it can lead to issues such as restricted blood flow or nerve damage. Since you are having restricted sensation, discomfort and blistering you are advised to report to the treating surgeon urgently. He can assess the situation and determine if the band needs to be adjusted or removed to prevent any long-term damage. In my opinion, it is better to get it removed before it causes complications like numbness or tingling, swelling or discoloration and pain or discomfort or long-term damage. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician