Acute Compartment Syndrome of the Upper Extremity

Abstract

Compartment syndrome of the upper extremity is rare, but happens frequently. It most often affects the forearm, compartment syndromes of the upper arm and hand are seen much more seldom. Early diagnosis and efficient fasciotomy is of highest importance to achieve good outcome and prevent development of Volkmann's ischemic contracture.

Clinical review: Volkmann’s ischaemic contracture

“…Where the hand is affected, two dorsal incisions over the second and fourth metacarpal bones are made in order to decompress the interossei compartments ( Fig. 3) [10].…”

“…Following tissue insult, oedema and haematoma lead to an increase in tissue interstitial pressure within a rigid, enclosed osteofascial compartment. If the oedema-ischaemia cycle is not arrested by fasciotomy, muscle ischaemia and infarction will occur [10,30]. Nerve damage also occurs, with the median and ulnar nerves being affected the most frequently and the median nerve the most severely [13].…”

Focus on Compartment Syndrome

“…Burkhart et al describe the compartment syndrome of the upper extremity, which certainly is an underestimated entity [2]. In their contribution, they describe in detail the specific signs of pathological pressure in the different compartments of the lower arm and the hand and how to decompress them safely.…”

Complete Fasciotomy Using a Radial Approach for Acute Forearm Compartment Syndrome: A New Technique

“…The forearm is most frequently involved, followed by the arm and the hand. 1 It is comprised of 3 main compartments: palmar, dorsal, and mobile wad. The palmar compartment is most commonly affected.…”

“…Acute upper limb compartment syndrome is rare, yet its morbidity rate makes it a surgical emergency. The forearm is most frequently involved, followed by the arm and the hand 1. It is comprised of 3 main compartments: palmar, dorsal, and mobile wad.…”