Acute bilateral spontaneous forearm compartment syndrome
David M Dalton1, Sudarshan Munigangaiah, Tava Subramaniam
1University Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Galway University Hospital, Galway, Ireland.
This case study details a rare instance of bilateral forearm compartment syndrome in a young woman without apparent cause. Prompt surgical decompression was crucial for limb salvage, though the etiology remains unknown.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Vascular Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Acute spontaneous compartment syndrome (ACS) of the forearm is uncommon.
- Typically associated with trauma or thromboembolism, bilateral presentation without cause is exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- A 31-year-old female presented with severe bilateral forearm pain, swelling, and numbness.
- No history of trauma or vascular compromise; past medical history included idiopathic hypertension and celiac disease.
Findings:
- Urgent surgical decompression of forearm compartments and carpal tunnels was performed.
- Intraoperative findings included dusky forearm muscles that improved after decompression; transient impalpable pulses occurred due to hypotension.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare, idiopathic bilateral forearm ACS presentation.
- Highlights the importance of urgent surgical intervention in suspected compartment syndrome.
- Underscores the diagnostic challenge in spontaneous, bilateral cases without clear etiology.
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Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment muscles originate from the humerus. They primarily function as flexors and are also known as flexor muscles. They typically insert on the carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. The superficial layer includes the flexor carpi...