Baseball Related Injuries: A Case Report on Acute Compartment Syndrome of the Forearm

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Trauma Surgery
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) presents diversely, complicating diagnosis and potentially leading to severe sequelae like Volkmann's ischemic contracture.
• Lower extremity ACS is more prevalent than upper extremity ACS, with the forearm being the most common site for upper extremity involvement.
• Common etiologies of ACS include traumatic fractures and crush injuries, with vascular issues also implicated.

Observation:

• A unique case involved a male umpire struck by a baseball on the forearm.
• This injury led to the development of acute compartment syndrome.
• The patient required emergent fasciotomies for treatment.

Findings:

• The baseball impact was the direct cause of the forearm acute compartment syndrome.
• Prompt surgical intervention with fasciotomies was performed.
• The patient experienced a full recovery without long-term complications.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering ACS in seemingly minor forearm trauma.
• Early diagnosis and intervention are critical to prevent devastating outcomes.
• Baseball-related forearm injuries can present with serious complications requiring immediate medical attention.