Causes of upper extremity compartment syndrome
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Updated: Oct 28, 2026

A Novel Non-invasive Method for the Detection of Elevated Intra-compartmental Pressures of the Leg
Published on: May 31, 2019
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA.
Abstract:
Multiple causes, including various types of trauma, prolonged compression, muscle avulsions, burn, snake bites, high-pressure injection injuries, exercise, infection, bleeding, and intravenous drug infiltration, have been reported to lead to the development of a compartment syndrome in the upper extremity. Awareness of the different causes and risks of compartment syndrome should facilitate early diagnosis and prompt treatment to help avoid the development of serious sequelae such as Volkmann's ischemic contracture. A review of the various reports of upper extremity compartment syndromes and classification systems is presented to assist in the understanding of this condition's development.
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