Amniotic constriction bands: a case series and proposed new classification system.

Abstract

Introduction: Amniotic constriction bands occur in approximately one in every 15,000 live births and is graded using the Patterson Classification system.

Methods: A case series of all patients with amniotic constriction band that presented to Alder Hey Children's Hospital was compiled between the years 1993 and 2012, data was described and a classification system developed.

Results: Thirty seven patients were identified. Of these 17 had amniotic constriction confined to the upper limbs and three of the lower limbs only. Seventeen had both upper and lower limb deformity. Twenty eight children underwent surgical intervention whilst nine to date have not.

Conclusion: Constriction band of the upper limb was the most common with lower limb bands the least. There is no agreement on the nomenclature of this condition making amalgamation of the literature problematic. A more specific classification of upper limb bands has been suggested which includes anatomical location and depth of band.