Emergency Management of an Eyelid Zipper Injury in a Child

Margaret Jones; Preston Dean; Brad Sobolewski

doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2019.11.040

Emergency Management of an Eyelid Zipper Injury in a Child

J Emerg Med. 2020 Mar;58(3):e153-e155. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2019.11.040. Epub 2020 Jan 27.

Authors

Margaret Jones¹, Preston Dean², Brad Sobolewski²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio.
² Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio.

PMID: 32001117
DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2019.11.040

Abstract

Background: Zipper injuries are rare in the pediatric emergency department, with most reported cases involving the penile and scrotal skin. Knowledge of appropriate zipper release techniques is important to ensure safe and immediate removal of entrapped tissue to prevent complications.

Case report: This case report describes a unique presentation of a zipper injury involving entrapment of the upper eyelid. We describe the successful removal of the zipper with gentle manipulation aided by mineral oil lubrication and by cutting fabric from the zipper system to release tension. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: While zipper injuries are rare, an emergency physician must be prepared to provide urgent intervention to prevent complications. This unique case report presents 1 example of successful zipper release in the case of a zipper injury to the eyelid in a child. We review other approaches for emergent zipper removal and discuss postprocedure care.

Keywords: zipper injury.

Publication types

Case Reports
Review

MeSH terms

Child
Clothing*
Eyelids / injuries*
Eyelids / surgery
Humans
Male