Weight Lifting as a Cause of Bilateral Upper Extremity Compartment Syndrome

In brief: Compartment syndrome caused by weight lifting occurs only rarely. In the case presented here, bilateral upper extremity compartment syndrome with rhabdomyolysis developed in a 30-year-old man who was an experienced weight lifter. Compartment pressure of 31 mm Hg in his right and left biceps, combined with other clinical findings, indicated that fasciotomy was necessary. Bilateral fasciotomies were performed from the mid-deltoid muscle to the distal forearm. Six weeks later the patient had good muscle strength and full range of motion in both arms. In addition to the case report, the authors discuss the clinical findings that suggest the presence of compartment syndrome.