Forearm Compartment Release with Incidental Soft Tissue Sarcoma.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Oncology
• Geriatrics

Background:

• Compartment syndrome typically results from trauma.
• Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare but can cause compartment syndrome by increasing intramuscular pressure.

Observation:

• A 95-year-old woman presented with acute forearm pain, swelling, and immobility after a minor injury.
• Clinical examination suggested compartment syndrome, necessitating urgent fasciotomy.
• Intraoperative findings revealed a large mass in the volar compartment.

Findings:

• Pathological analysis confirmed the mass as a high-grade pleomorphic sarcoma.
• The patient's advanced age and comorbidities led to a recommendation for observation over further surgery.
• Urgent fasciotomy provided significant pain relief.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering rare etiologies, such as STS, in compartment syndrome presentations, particularly in older adults.
• An individualized, patient-centered approach is crucial for managing elderly patients with complex conditions.
• Prompt surgical decompression can effectively alleviate symptoms of compartment syndrome.