What it is
A dangerous rise in pressure within a muscle compartment, usually after fracture, crushing or bleeding. Acute compartment syndrome can damage muscles and nerves and is a surgical emergency.
Typical clinical symptoms
- Pain out of proportion that continues to worsen
- Pain with passive stretching of the fingers
- A tense, firm and swollen forearm
- Progressive numbness or weakness; a present pulse does not exclude the condition
Video
No video has been added for this condition yet.
Scientific literature
External publications selected for this topic. Their scope may cover a specific condition, population or intervention within this topic; they do not constitute an individual treatment plan.
Forearm Compartment Syndrome: Evaluation and Management.
Literature review · 2018
Elbow & Forearm
When is medical coordination needed?
Deformity after trauma, immediate inability to move the arm, severe pain with a tense forearm, a cold or pulseless hand, progressive numbness or weakness, and redness with fever require prompt medical assessment.
Descriptions are for orientation. Diagnosis follows history, clinical examination and, only when indicated, imaging or laboratory tests.
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