DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20164581

Bilateral post-traumatic forearm and hand compartment syndrome: a case report and review of literature

Saubhik Das, Vivek Trikha, Sahil Gaba, Arkesh M., Prabhat Agrawal, Gajanand Yadav

Abstract


Acute compartment syndrome is a condition in which interstitial tissue pressure within a closed osteo-fascial compartment is elevated to a nonphysiologic level causing decrease in tissue perfusion, which if left elevated for sufficient time, can lead to tissue necrosis and devastating loss of function. It poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for treating surgeons. We present a case of acute post-traumatic bilateral forearm and hand compartment syndrome in a 12 year old boy associated with fracture of distal ulna and metacarpals. Patient regained excellent function with emergent fasciotomy of volar forearm and hand followed by wound management with vacuum-assisted wound closure system (VAC), delayed primary closure and split-thickness skin graft (SSG). Early diagnosis and emergent fasciotomy are crucial to avoid debilitating complications.

Keywords


Bilateral, Compartment syndrome, Fasciotomy, Forearm, Hand, Split-thickness skin graft

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References


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