DELAYED-ONSET OF FOREARM COMPARTMENT SYNDROME - A COMPLICATION OF DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURE IN YOUNG-ADULTS

The signs and symptoms of elevated intracompartmental pressure in the volar forearm compartment developed on a delayed basis (range 18-54 h) in the absence of constricting casts or dressings in eight limbs afte r high-energy intraarticular fractures of the distal end of the radius . Intracompartment pressures averaged 80 mm Hg in the six limbs tested . Despite urgent decompression and fracture fixation with delayed woun d closure, final functional outcomes were compromised in seven cases, reflecting the severity of the articular injuries, and poor in one cas e, in which a wrist fusion was later required. Lf potentially serious complications are to be prevented, careful observation of these patien ts, often for periods of 48 h, is important. Selective recording of fo rearm intracompartmental pressures may be advised in at-risk patients.