Volkmann's ischaemic contracture of the forearm

Twenty-three patients with established contractures of the forearm, which were treated by excision of all irreparably damaged muscles, lengthening of the tendons and neurolysis of the median and ulnar nerves, are reported. Fourteen patients were children. Supracondylar fractures of the humerus, all treated by plaster-of-Paris, were associated with 10 contractures. Twelve patients achieved good or normal function of the hand after treatment; 5 had obvious functional disability, 4 achieved only a support function and 2 required forearm amputations. Early treatment improved the functional result. Treatment of displaced supracondylar fractures by traction seemed to be an important prophylactic procedure.