J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2015 Aug;50(4):328-332. 10.4055/jkoa.2015.50.4.328.

Acute Dorsal Compartment Syndrome of the Forearm in a Patient with Rhabdomyolysis

• Kim SB
• Heo YM
• Yi JW
• Ryu SK
• Yoo HJ

• KMID: 2035870
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2015.50.4.328

Abstract

There are three compartments of the forearm by fascia: volar, dorsal and lateral. Compartment syndrome of the forearm, which commonly develops in the volar deep compartment, can be induced by various causes. We experienced a case of acute dorsal compartment syndrome of the forearm in a patient with rhabdomyolysis. Because of severe pain and progressive palsy of the posterior interosseous nerve, fasciotomy and release of posterior interosseous nerve were performed. Acute compartment syndrome localized at the dorsal compartment of the forearm is very rare, and compartment syndrome of the forearm in a patient with rhabdomyolysis has not been reported previously. We report the case with review of literatures.

Keyword

forearm; compartment syndromes; rhabdomyolysis

MeSH Terms

Compartment Syndromes*
Fascia
Forearm*
Humans
Paralysis
Rhabdomyolysis*

Figure

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  Figure 1 (A) Coronal T2-weighted image showing high signal intensity in brachioradialis, extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis. (B) Sagittal T2-weighted image showing edematous swelling at the posterior aspect of supinator, anconeus, extensor carpi ulnaris, extensor digitorum, extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis muscles.

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  Figure 2 Intraoperative photographs. (A) Fasciotomy of the dorsal and lateral compartment of the forearm was performed using Thompson's posterior approach. (B) Posterior interosseous nerve within supinator muscle was released.

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