CASE REPORT

Results of compartment decompression in chronic forearm compartment syndrome: six case presentations

H Zandi¹, S Bell²

¹ Monash Medical Centre, Clayton Rd, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
² Monash University Department of Surgery, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria, Australia

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
S Bell
Melbourne Shoulder and Elbow Centre, 31 Normanby Street, Brighton, Victoria 3186, Australia; snbell{at}bigpond.net.au

Background: There are few reports concerning chronic compartment syndrome producing symptoms in the forearm, although in the lower limb this is a well recognised condition. The objective was to demonstrate that chronic compartment syndrome is a cause of exercise induced forearm pain and transient upper limb dysfunction and that forearm compartment decompression can reliably relieve the associated symptoms.

Methods: Six patients with a flexor compartment chronic compartment syndrome, documented by pressure studies, had forearm compartment decompression.

Results: All patients had good relief of their exercise associated forearm pain following the decompression. Widening of the incisional scar was frequently reported.

Conclusion: Forearm compartment decompression is effective in relieving the symptoms related to chronic forearm compartment syndrome.

Keywords: chronic compartment syndrome; compartment decompression; forearm

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