Delayed onset of forearm compartment syndrome: a complication of distal radius fracture in young adults

The signs and symptoms of elevated intracompartmental pressure in the volar forearm compartment developed on a delayed basis (range 18-54 h) in the absence of constricting casts or dressings in eight limbs after high-energy intraarticular fractures of the distal end of the radius. Intracompartment p...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of orthopaedic trauma Vol. 9; no. 5; p. 411
Main Authors Simpson, N S, Jupiter, J B
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.01.1995
Subjects
Adult
Compartment Syndromes - complications
Compartment Syndromes - etiology
Compartment Syndromes - surgery
Fasciotomy
Female
Forearm
Fracture Fixation
Fractures, Closed - complications
Fractures, Closed - diagnostic imaging
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Radiography
Radius Fractures - complications
Radius Fractures - diagnostic imaging
Retrospective Studies
Skin Transplantation
Time Factors
Treatment Outcome
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Summary:The signs and symptoms of elevated intracompartmental pressure in the volar forearm compartment developed on a delayed basis (range 18-54 h) in the absence of constricting casts or dressings in eight limbs after high-energy intraarticular fractures of the distal end of the radius. Intracompartment pressures averaged 80 mm Hg in the six limbs tested. Despite urgent decompression and fracture fixation with delayed wound closure, final functional outcomes were compromised in seven cases, reflecting the severity of the articular injuries, and poor in one case, in which a wrist fusion was later required. If potentially serious complications are to be prevented, careful observation of these patients, often for periods of 48 h, is important. Selective recording of forearm intracompartmental pressures may be advised in at-risk patients.
ISSN:0890-5339
DOI:10.1097/00005131-199505000-00009