title: Volkmann's ischemic contracture due to soft tissue injury alone.
abstract: Fifteen upper extremities, in 14 patients in whom incipient or actual Volkmann's ischemic contracture was present, were seen in a 5 year period. Nine patients were stuporous due to drug overdose and had laid on the extremity; two had received a recent injury of main arterial trunks; two had sudden severe compression; one with chronic myelogenous leukemia had each arm involved at different times in a bizarre autoimmune response causing massive swelling. No patient had a fracture or dislocation. Pain and tenderness, loss of sensibility, resistant muscle contracture, and rock-hard muscle compartments were warning signs. Immediate fasciotomy was done. Useful function was restored when treatment was carried out in the early stages of the ischemia.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D002648:Child; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged