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Published on: October 29, 2021
Muscle Hernias in the Upper Limb: Treatment and Literature Review
Mohamed Abdel Hamid Ibrahim1, Mohamed Said Abdel Maksoud M Ismail1, Mona Taher Hassan Mohamed2
1Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery Department, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
Purpose:
A muscle hernia is defined as a protrusion of the muscle belly through an acquired or congenital fascial defect. A nontraumatic herniation may occur through congenital fascial defects or be acquired by means of exertion, blunt trauma, or a penetrating injury. In this study, our aim was to review our experience with this rare condition and report the results of surgical treatment of these cases.
Methods:
During the period between January 1, 2014, and August 30, 2018, 12 cases of symptomatic muscle hernia in the upper limb were included in our study: 9 cases involving the forearm and 3 cases involving the arm. All patients underwent direct repair of their fascial defect with overlapping of the deep fascia using nonabsorbable sutures.
Results:
There were improvements in postoperative pain, swelling, appearance, weakness, and paresthesia. There was significant improvement in the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score from a mean of 51.8 before surgery to 6.9 after surgery. The mean period to return to activities of daily living was 18 days (range, 15-20 days).
Conclusions:
Muscle hernia in the upper limb is an uncommon condition that can be successfully treated.
Type Of Study/Level Of Evidence:
Therapeutic IV.
