[Ischemic contracture of the forearm and hand. Staging and indications for surgical treatment]

Results of long-term follow up of 66 patients with ischemic contracture of the forearm and hand, all surgically treated in the "Unfallkrankenhaus Hamburg)) between 1961 and 1982, are presented. Whereas ischemic contracture of the forearm flexors resulted mainly from fractures, ischemic contracture of the intrinsic muscles of the hand was most often seen after pressure injuries. All patients in this study presented to us with fully established ischemic contractures. Muscle and nerve damage was retrospectively evaluated according to operative notes, and the degree of damage could be classified into four groups. Most frequently, neurolysis, scar excision and muscle-sliding operations were performed; furthermore, tendon lengthening, tendon transpositions, wrist arthrodesis and nerve grafting were indicated. Results were judged according to twelve separately measured functions, each measurement giving a possible score of three to six points. Muscle-sliding operations result in an improved score regardless of ischemic contracture stage. For a stage 2 contracture, a 20 point improvement can be expected. In stage 1 contracture--presenting with extension deficiency of four or more points--, complete recovery can be expected following a muscle-sliding operation. For isolated muscle injuries, tendon lengthening is recommended. For stage 2 contracture, the transposition of superficial to deep flexor tendons results in the same score as a muscle-sliding operation; however, the transposition procedure should be reserved for special indications. In stage 3 contracture, the muscle-sliding operation is the treatment of choice, with secondary procedures such as tendon transpositions and nerve grafts often being necessary. In stage 4 ischemic contracture, muscle-sliding operations may improve extension deficiency; however, wrist arthrodesis, especially in combination with extensor tendon transpositions, may be beneficial. No experience with free muscle transplantation was made during the study period.