The use of CT scan in evaluating Volkmann's syndrome in the limbs

Between January 1980 and October 1986 26 cases of Volkmann's syndrome were submitted to preoperative CT scan. Thirteen were localised in the upper limb, 11 in the lower limb, and 2 were cases of pseudo-Volkmann's disease. CT scan allowed us to confirm the densitometric features and distribution of muscle infarction in the various muscle planes. Thus, two groups were distinguished, each with different densitometric features: a first group with diffuse hypodensity of the muscular sheaths with unclear borders, and a coefficient of attenuation at approximately 30-40 H.U., which at operation corresponded to diffuse fibrosis; a second group with defined hypodensity of the various muscle groups equal to 10-20 H.U., which at operation gave a macroscopic picture of infarction. CT scan provides a detailed preoperative topographical and morphological evaluation of the infarction area, and therefore a treatment plan based on a more accurate knowledge of the anatomical and pathological lesions.