Compartment syndrome is a condition in which the circulation within a closed compartment is compromised by an increase in pressure within the compartment, causing necrosis of muscles, nerves, and eventually the skin because of excessive swelling. Volkmann ischemic contracture is a sequela of untreated or inadequately treated compartment syndrome in which necrotic muscle and nerve tissue have been replaced with fibrous tissue.
In the upper extremity, compartment syndrome is most common in the forearm. The intrinsic muscle compartments of the hand also may be involved, and compartment syndrome of the upper arm has been reported.
