DEFINITIONS AND TERMINOLOGY OF COMPARTMENT SYNDROME AND VOLKMANNS ISCHEMIC CONTRACTURE OF THE UPPER EXTREMITY

Increased tissue pressure within a nondistensible compartment decrease s blood flow and oxygenation to the compartment and can result in cell ular damage. This condition is defined as compartment syndrome and can lead to Volkmann's ischemic contracture. Volkmann's contracture can b e mild, moderate, or severe. The outcome is typically irreversible but can be prevented by early diagnosis of an impending compartment syndr ome.