'Kissing lesions' of the thorax and upper extremity

An upper extremity compressed beneath the body of a comatose individual can contribute to the development of a compartmental syndrome. Crushing injuries such as these can result in skin necrosis at the sites of contact between the chest wall and the compressed limb. These "kissing lesions" must be recognized as indicators of a severe crush injury and impending compartmental syndrome, as fasciotomy is urgently required.