Compartment syndromes of the forearm: diagnosis and treatment

Twenty-six patients with suspected forearm compartment syndromes were evaluated clinically and by intracompartmental pressure determinations. The most reliable physical findings indicating a forearm compartment syndrome were marked pain on passive digital extension and reduced hand sensibility or paresthesias. Pressure determinations were most helpful in evaluating comatose patients and patients with equivocal physical findings. A curvilinear volar incision and, when indicated, a straight dorsal incision provided adequate decompression in the ten operatively treated patients. Postfasciotomy pressure determinations were helpful in assessing the adequacy of volar and dorsal decompression.