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[Compartment syndrome of the hand. Diagnosis, therapy, results, late sequelae]
Insights
Compartment syndrome of the hand, though rare, can lead to ischemic necrosis and contracture. Early, adequate decompression is crucial for preserving hand function and preventing severe outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Hand Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Ischemic necrosis of intrinsic hand muscles and local ischemic contracture are known complications.
- Isolated compartment syndrome of the hand is a rare condition with an unestablished term.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the etiopathology, diagnosis, therapy, and treatment outcomes of compartment syndrome of the hand.
- To emphasize the importance of timely surgical intervention.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 13 patients treated for compartment syndrome of the hand.
- Assessment of late treatment results, including functional recovery and complications.
Main Results:
- Out of 13 patients, 3 died, 1 required amputation, and 2 had no hand function recovery due to brachial plexus lesions.
- In 7 patients with available follow-up, 5 had unimpaired range of motion, 4 had slight strength loss, and 1 reported paresthesia.
Conclusions:
- Despite a small patient cohort, results highlight the necessity of early and sufficient decompression for compartment syndrome of the hand.
- Prompt surgical intervention can significantly improve functional outcomes and reduce the risk of permanent hand damage.
Abstract:
Ischemic necrosis of the intrinsic muscles of the hand has been known about for decades, as has the resulting local ischemic contracture in the hand. As isolated compartment syndrome of the hand is a rare condition, this term has not yet become established. The etiopathology, diagnosis, therapy and results of treatment in 13 patients treated for compartment syndrome of the hand are presented. At the time of our follow-up study, 3 patients had died and 2 did not attend. In 1 patient the upper limb had meanwhile had to be amputated. Thus, late results were examined in 7 patients, but 2 of these had not recovered any hand function, as they had suffered a brachial plexus lesion on the affected side. In 5 patients the range of motion was unimpaired, but a slight loss of strength persisted in 4 patients and 1 patient complained of moderate paresthesia at the palmar scar. Despite the small number of patients, we feel that these results emphasize the need for early and adequate decompression in the case of compartment syndrome of the hand.