Acute compartment syndrome of the upper arm: a report of 2 cases

Compartment syndromes of the upper arm are rare clinical entities but can be a serious problem, especially in unconscious patients or those presenting with altered mental status. A high index of suspicion is needed to make an accurate diagnosis. Measuring compartment pressures is helpful, but the role of pressure measurement in the diagnosis and treatment may be secondary to the clinical examination. In patients presenting without histories of trauma, who have sustained long periods of immobilization, a suspicion of a crush syndrome should also be included during the workup of a compartment syndrome. Fasciotomy and débridement of necrotic and nonviable tissue are the treatments of choice for a patient with a compartment syndrome, but initiating medical management and providing medical stability for systemic complications resulting from a crush syndrome may be necessary prior to surgical intervention to prevent organ failure and death. Overall, prognosis is improved by early diagnosis and treatment.