title: Destructive deformation of the digits with auto-amputation: a review of pseudo-ainhum.
abstract: Pseudo-ainhum is an auto-amputation of the digits. Although extremely rare, it is a traumatic and painful experience that can be alleviated with early recognition and intervention. The scientific literature is filled with reports of this interesting but unfortunate phenomenon. To date, a firm causative aetiology has not yet been established. Although reports on this phenomenon have attempted to further our understanding of pseudo-ainhum, a clear understanding has been complicated by the interchangeable use of terms describing this auto-amputation. In this review, we discuss the current understanding, diagnostic criteria, and management of pseudo-ainhum. Furthermore, the nomenclature of pseudo-ainhum is clarified. Ideally, this will allow for more efficient exploration of pseudo-ainhum, its causes, and therapeutic approaches.
authors.affiliation: Loyola Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL 60153, USA. rashidrashid.mdphd@yahoo.com
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Rashid
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cowan
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Abbasi
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brieva
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alam
mesh_terms: D000387:Ainhum / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence