title: Free muscle transfer in Volkmann's ischaemic contracture.
abstract: The results of treatment of 28 cases of Volkmann's ischaemic contracture by free muscle transfer are presented. Attention is drawn to the existence of an infarct in the median nerve in addition to the infarct in the muscle and that loss of nerve function is as important as the motor loss in determining functional outcome. Comparison of those cases treated early (within 6 months of injury) by free vascularised muscle transfer with those operated late showed better sensory recovery in the early treated group while the amount of motion obtained was not significantly different. Our present indications, timing, and technique of free muscle transfer in Volkmann's ischaemic contracture are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Ankara Hand Surgery Center, Turkey.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ercetin
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Akinci
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers / Q000502:physiology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005543:Forearm Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D007511:Ischemia; D008297:Male; D008475:Median Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D009132:Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000637:transplantation*; D012677:Sensation / Q000502:physiology; D013165:Splints; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000379:methods*; D013710:Tendons / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery