[Value of early decompression in compartment syndrome of the burnt hand]

Our experience with over one hundred burned hands has shown that the compartment syndrome is a frequent occurrence in the hand and fingers. It is often underestimated because clinical diagnosis is difficult and an infra-clinical ischaemia may exist although the pulse is present. We believe it is important to carry out systematically Whiteside's method of investigating pressure in the compartments of the hand. When pressure exceeds 40 mm Hg the interosseous compartments and sometimes the digital canals or even the antebrachial compartment should be opened. This simple technique followed by early excision and graft and intensive rehabilitation has in our experience transformed the prognosis of burned hands.