Jump to content

Question about restrictions on growth


Recommended Posts

(Context: I have no science background and am asking this out of curiosity. I am a fiction writer and I'd like to see if what I am thinking of has any scientific basis.)

 

If an external limiter is put on a section of the body's growth, what will happen to that section?

 

More specifically, I'm wondering what would happen if someone were to put a large keyring around their ankle at, say, age eight, and then for whatever reason left it there. What would happen when the body started naturally growing to that limit (that is, the size of the ankle reached the size of the key ring and by assumption of 'normal' human growth would try to KEEP growing)? Would there be pain BEFORE a bodily reaction (the restricted part falling off, restricted blood flow, etc) could take place?

 

And are there any notable examples of this?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Several forms of body modification are along those lines.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_modification#Applying_long-term_force

 

Hard to say what would happen exactly. My guess would be simple deformation if the site were kept clean. Foot binding and neck rings are probably the closest to what you are describing.

 

Amniotic band constriction may also be worth a look.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amniotic_band_constriction

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.