Experimental study of forearm compartmental pressures.
OBJECTIVE
Chronic compartment syndrome is well recognized, although it is rare in the forearm. Diagnosis is based on history, clinical examination, and compartment pressure readings. Existing normal pressure ranges for the forearm are based on lower limb measurements. This study aimed to establish normal pre- and post-exercise forearm compartment pressures.


METHODS
Using a Stryker intracompartmental pressure monitor (Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI), 41 volunteers had pressure measurements of the extensor and flexor forearm compartments before and after exercise.


RESULTS
Normal ranges were established for pre-exercise extensor compartment (2-27 mm Hg; upper confidence interval [CI] 18.8-25.2 mm Hg), post-exercise extensor compartment (2-24 mm Hg; upper CI 16.8-22.8 mm Hg), pre-exercise flexor compartment (1-19 mm Hg; upper CI 13.3-17.4 mm Hg), and post-exercise flexor compartment (0-19 mm Hg; upper CI 16-21.4 mm Hg) pressures. No significant difference was found between pressures before and after exercise. There was no correlation between whether pressures increased or decreased following exercise. There was a significant gender difference. Normal ranges were 0 to 25.2 mm Hg for the extensor compartment and 0 to 21.4 mm Hg for the flexor compartment.


CONCLUSIONS
This study has shown a significant difference in normal forearm compartment pressures between genders. A normal reference range of flexor and extensor forearm compartment pressures to aid diagnosis of chronic compartment syndrome has been determined. This might also prove useful in aiding the diagnosis of acute forearm compartment syndrome.
Ardolino
Antonella
A
Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Castle Lane East, Bournemouth, Dorset, United Kingdom. toni.a@doctors.org.uk
Zeineh
Nedal
N
O'Connor
David
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011312:Pressure; D012016:Reference Values; D012737:Sex Factors