Anatomy and intracompartmental pressure measurement technique of the pronator quadratus compartment

The compartment of the pronator quadratus muscle in 25 cadaver specimens is described. Defined by the radius, ulna, and distal interosseous membrane d orsally and the pronator quadratus fascia on the palmar side, the osteofibr ous walls of the compartment confine the pronator quadratus muscle within a noncompliant space. A safe and reliable location for compartment pressure measurement was defined at a site 4 cm proximal to the scaphoid tubercule, on the radial side of the flexor carpi radialis tendon and on the ulnar sid e of the radial artery. These clear anatomic definitions might be useful in diagnosis of compartment syndrome of the pronator quadratus; a clinical in vestigation may be justified on the basis of pressure measurements made usi ng this technique. Copyright (C) 2001 by the American Society for Surgery o f the Hand.