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Volkmann Ischemic Contracture

Bryan G Beutel, MD and Celeste M Murtha, BA Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

An irreversible flexion contracture of the wrist and digits following ischemic injury (most commonly from forearm compartment syndrome) 
  • Forearm compartment syndrome occurs when press...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Patients may have recent history of forearm trauma (fracture and/or soft tissue), IV fluid or drug injection, upper extremity surgery, burns, animal/insect bites, etc.

  • Reports pain out...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

Only appropriate treatment for acute compartment syndrome is emergent surgical release with fasciotomies 
  • Failure to diagnose or treat compartment syndrome can lead to irrever...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Physical and occupational therapy to maximize upper extremity function and range of motion

  • Follow-up with orthopedic surgeon to determine the need for surgical rev...

REFERENCES

1
Ozer K. Nerve lesions in Volkmann ischemic contracture. J Hand Surg Am.2020;45(8):746-757.
2
Benabdallah O, Shimi M, Ait Benali H, et al. Management of Volkmann's ischemic contracture: case ...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Griffart A, Gauthier E, Vaiss L, et al. Functional and socioprofessional outcome of surgery for Volkmann's contracture. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. ...

CODES

ICD10

  • T79.6XXA Traumatic ischemia of muscle, initial encounter

  • T79.6XXD Traumatic ischemia of muscle, subsequent encounter

  • T79.6XXS Traumatic ischemia of muscle, sequela

SNOMED

  • 111247001 Volkmann's c...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Volkmann ischemic contractures are sequela of missed or inadequately treated forearm compartment syndrome

    • Results in flexion contractures of wrist and digits

  • Early diagnosis of compartme...

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