Volkmann's ischaemic contracture of the upper extremity - raising a red flag in the setting of developing countries.

INTRODUCTION: Volkmann's ischaemic contracture (VIC) is a disabling condition resulting from tissue necrosis due to impaired vascular supply to the limb. Over the years VIC has become rare in developed countries with many different aetiologies described. It was alarming to have high incidence of established VIC in our practice in Nepal. A detailed analysis was conducted to accurately describe this issue. METHODS: We collected 47 cases of VIC over six years and noted the age, sex, district of origin and cause of VIC, duration of injury to presentation, and the grade of VIC. Then we compared these characteristics of VIC of each Nepal province and created a map to show the problematic regions. RESULTS: Out of 47 patients, 46 could have been prevented by an early treatment. The most common cause was a tight cast in 25 patients (53.19%), followed by unintentionally self-caused VIC by applying tight bandages in 21 patients (44.68%). Most cases came from province 6 (29.78%). Our group included three mild (6.4%), 35 moderate (74.5%) and nine severe (19.1%) cases of VIC. Only 14 cases (29.78%) had a timely fasciotomy in the past. CONCLUSION: VIC is an irreversible complication of the compartment syndrome which is an easily preventable condition in the setting of developing countries. Our focus should, therefore, aim at preventing such disastrous conditions as 97.87% of cases we encountered could have been avoided by proper primary care. In the case of Nepal most cases came from province 6 and province 3.

Free vascularized fibula leads to hallux toe flexion deformity due to ischemic muscle contracture of flexor hallucis longus.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the incidence of toe flexion deformity after fibular free flap transplantation and to analyze the etiology of the deformity. METHODS: Fifty patients underwent vascularized fibular free flap transplantation were retrospectively included. Statistical analysis examined correlations between deformity occurrence and resected fibula length and residual distal fibula length using the χ2 test. Doppler ultrasound and anatomical evaluations were conducted. RESULTS: Flexion deformity of the first toe was observed in all patients (100%), exacerbated by ankle dorsiflexion. χ2 test revealed no significant correlation between fibula length, distal residual fibula length, and flexion deformity. Doppler ultrasound revealed elevated echoes and blurred textures in the flexor hallucis longus post-fibular transplantation, while anatomical evaluation confirmed the peroneal artery as its primary nutrient supplier. CONCLUSION: This study reports a 100% incidence of toe flexion deformity post-transplantation. The deformity correlated strongly with ischemic contracture of the flexor hallucis longus.

Localized type Volkmann's contracture treated with tendon transfer and tension-reduced early mobilization: A case report.

RATIONALE: For localized type Volkmann's contracture, in which degeneration of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) muscle to one or two fingers and restriction of finger extension occur, dissection or excision of the affected muscle is usually recommended. However, these surgical procedures need relatively wide exposure of the muscle, because the FDP muscle is in the deep portion of the forearm. PATIENT CONCERNS: In this report, the case of a 35-year-old woman with localized type Volkmann's contracture is presented. Her left forearm had been compressed with an industrial roller 4 months earlier, and severe flexion contracture of the long finger and mild flexion contracture of the ring finger developed gradually. DIAGNOSES:: localized type Volkmann's contracture. INTERVENTION: Five months after the injury, transection of the FDP tendon to the long finger and transfer of the transected tendon to the FDP tendon to the index finger was performed after adjusting the tonus of these two tendons using a small skin incision. This procedure was followed by a tension-reduced early mobilization technique in which a tension-reduced position of the tendon suture site was maintained by taping the long finger to the volar side of the index finger, and then immediate active range of motion (ROM) exercise was started. OUTCOMES: Within 9 weeks after surgery, full ROM had been regained. LESSONS: Using the treatment procedure presented in this case report, a good clinical result was obtained in a minimally invasive manner.

Volkmann's ischemic contracture: An unusual complication of arterio-venous fistula.

Native arterio-venous fistulae (AVF) are vascular access of first choice for chronic hemodialysis. However, AVF are also associated with many adverse events like: primary or secondary failure, infection, lymphedema, stenosis, thrombosis, and ischemia of distal extremities. The most common ischemia related complications of AVF are: ischemic neuropathy and steal syndrome with its consequences like pain and peripheral necrosis. Ischemic muscle contracture is a rare complication of AVF. Herein, we are reporting a case of Volkmann's ischemic contracture developing after creation of brachiocephalic AVF.

2,3-Butanedione monoxime facilitates successful resuscitation in a dose-dependent fashion in a pig model of cardiac arrest.

PURPOSE: Ischemic contracture compromises the hemodynamic effectiveness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and resuscitability from cardiac arrest. In a pig model of cardiac arrest, 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM) attenuated ischemic contracture. We investigated the effects of different doses of BDM to determine whether increasing the dose of BDM could improve the hemodynamic effectiveness of CPR further, thus ultimately improving resuscitability. METHODS: After 16minutes of untreated ventricular fibrillation and 8minutes of basic life support, 36 pigs were divided randomly into 3 groups that received 50mg/kg (low-dose group) of BDM, 100mg/kg (high-dose group) of BDM, or an equivalent volume of saline (control group) during advanced cardiovascular life support. RESULTS: During advanced cardiovascular life support, the control group showed an increase in left ventricular (LV) wall thickness and a decrease in LV chamber area. In contrast, the BDM-treated groups showed a decrease in the LV wall thickness and an increase in the LV chamber area in a dose-dependent fashion. Mixed-model analyses of the LV wall thickness and LV chamber area revealed significant group effects and group-time interactions. Central venous oxygen saturation at 3minutes after the drug administration was 21.6% (18.4-31.9), 39.2% (28.8-53.7), and 54.0% (47.5-69.4) in the control, low-dose, and high-dose groups, respectively (P<.001). Sustained restoration of spontaneous circulation was attained in 7 (58.3%), 10 (83.3%), and 12 animals (100%) in the control, low-dose, and high-dose groups, respectively (P=.046). CONCLUSION: 2,3-Butanedione monoxime administered during CPR attenuated ischemic contracture and improved the resuscitability in a dose-dependent fashion.

Effects of the administration of 2,3-butanedione monoxime during conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation on ischaemic contracture and resuscitability in a pig model of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Ischaemic contracture compromises the haemodynamic effectiveness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and resuscitability. 2,3-Butanedione monoxime (BDM) reduced ischaemic contracture by inhibiting actin-myosin crossbridge formation in an isolated heart model. We investigated the effects of BDM on ischaemic contracture and resuscitation outcomes in a pig model of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). METHODS: After 15min of untreated ventricular fibrillation, followed by 8min of basic life support, 16 pigs were randomised to receive either 2mlkg(-1) of BDM solution (25gl(-1)) or 2mlkg(-1) of saline during advanced cardiac life support (ACLS). RESULTS: During the ACLS, the control group showed an increase in left ventricular (LV) wall thickness from 10.0mm (10.0-10.8) to 13.0mm (13.0-13.0) and a decrease in LV chamber area from 8.13cm(2) (7.59-9.29) to 7.47cm(2) (5.84-8.43). In contrast, the BDM group showed a decrease in the LV wall thickness from 10mm (9.0-10.8) to 8.5mm (7.0-9.8) and an increase in the LV chamber area from 9.86cm(2) (7.22-12.39) to 12.15 cm(2) (8.02-14.40). Mixed model analyses of the LV wall thickness and LV chamber area revealed significant group effects and group-time interactions. Spontaneous circulation was restored in four (50%) animals in the control group and in eight (100%) animals in the BDM group (p=0.077). All the resuscitated animals survived during an intensive care period of 4h. CONCLUSION: BDM administered during cardiopulmonary resuscitation reversed ischaemic contracture in a pig model of OHCA.

Volkmann's contracture of the forearm owing to an insect bite: a case report and review of the literature.

Compartment syndrome affecting the upper limb is reported rarely in the literature and is usually limited to single case reports. Upper limb compartment syndrome secondary to envenomation is rare, especially in the UK. Worldwide, it has been reported resulting from snake and insect bites, mostly from snakes from the Viperidae family, and from insects such as bees and wasps. Reports from the UK are limited to one case of an adder bite. We present a case of a previously fit and well adult who developed an ischaemic contracture of the forearm after an insect bite. Surgical exploration revealed segmental necrosis and contracture of the superficial and deep flexors of the fingers, requiring fasciotomy and tendon-lengthening procedures. This is the first report of a compartment syndrome, or a late ischaemic contracture from an insect bite in the UK. Owing to the rarity of compartment syndrome of the upper limb secondary to envenomation, a delay in diagnosis and treatment can lead to irreversible changes in the muscular compartments of the forearm.

Postburn edge shoulder adduction contracture: anatomy and elimination with trapeze-flap plasty--a new approach.

Postburn scar shoulder adduction contracture is the most common among big joints' contractures. As the contracture impedes all upper limb function, surgical reconstruction is indicated as early as the contracture is formed. Many flaps and techniques have been suggested, yet the problem is not resolved completely. Three hundred forty-six edge scar shoulder adduction contractures were eliminated personally in 277 patients. Contracture anatomy was studied before and during surgery. Effectiveness of the existing and newly developed techniques was evaluated. Edge shoulder scar adduction contracture is caused by scars located on anterior and/or posterior shoulder joint surface and is characterized by the presence of the fold along the axillary fossa edge. Crest of the fold is the edge of scars. The fold's lateral sheet is scars (causes contracture); medial sheet and axillary fossa skin stay uninjured. Lateral scar sheets have surface deficit in length; the deficit spreads from the fold's crest to the shoulder joint rotation axis and has a trapezoid form. The conclusion was made that the adequate technique should consist of sheet surface deficit compensation with the flap of the same (trapezoid) shape. The medial fold sheet and axillary fossa served as an excellent donor site for the flap. Depending on contracture severity, several variants of the trapeze-flap plasty were developed: trapeze-flaps alone or in combination with skin grafts. In all cases, contractures were eliminated completely with trapeze-flap plasty without serious complications. No flap loss and contracture recurrence took place. The proposed techniques are based on the anatomy of the contracture. They are easy to plan and perform, allow complete restoration of the upper limb's function, and improve shoulder joint region appearance in general. The author believes that the trapeze-flap plasty procedure is a preferred technique for adult and pediatric patients with edge scar shoulder adduction contracture.

Release of the postburn contractures on the lower abdomen and inguinal regions using modified abdominoplasty.

To return the patient to normal function while maximizing aesthetic appearance is the most important issue in burn management. Although many techniques such as pressure garments and silicone dressings are used in the initial scar management to optimize final appearance, avoiding residual scarring is impossible after extensive burns. The changes in appearance and limitations imposed by the burn scar contribute to a negative body image. Burn patients frequently require numerous procedures over many years to achieve optimum function, but aesthetic needs are often overlooked in these patients. By assessing such patients with regard to their body image and aesthetic needs, patients who will benefit from a combined aesthetic procedure with burn contracture release are easily identified. The author presents a female patient who underwent modified abdominoplasty for releasing burn scar contractures, providing the dual benefit of improved body contour and burn scar release.

[Functional and morphologic changes in the tendons and multimicrovacuolar collagen absorbing system of the three-phalanx fingers in disorder of arterial inflow].

Taking into account the fact, that unsatisfactory results of treatment of the thumbs traumatic damage are significantly caused by presence of anatomic disruption of the thumbs palm's own arteries with chronic tissue ischemia occurrence. One of consequences of damage of the three-phalanx thumbs interphalanx joints and the thumbs palm's own arteries is a formation of quickly progressing secondary flexing contracture of proximal interphalanx joints (PIPHJ). In the investigations accomplished there was established, that the changed tissues of the flexors tendons and their sheaths, forming cicatricial blockade distally to the primary trauma site, are taking part in a PIPHJ contracture development while arterial perfusion presence.The tissues damage severity, as well as a severity of clinical features of the tendons and their sheaths damage, depends on a degree of an arterial perfusion disorder present,

Acute compartment syndrome of the upper extremity.

Acute compartment syndrome occurs when pressure within a fibro-osseous space increases to a level that results in a decreased perfusion gradient across tissue capillary beds. Compartment syndromes of the hand, forearm, and upper arm can result in tissue necrosis, which can lead to devastating loss of function. The etiology of acute compartment syndrome in the upper extremity is diverse, and a high index of suspicion must be maintained. Pain out of proportion to injury is the most reliable early symptom of impending compartment syndrome. Diagnosis is particularly difficult in obtunded patients and in young children. Early recognition and expeditious surgical treatment are essential to obtain a good clinical outcome and prevent permanent disability.

Missed posterior deep, inferior subcompartment syndrome in a patient with an ankle fracture: a case report.

Deep posterior compartment syndrome is an extremely rare complication of ankle fracture and the few reported cases in the literature show that it is usually diagnosed late. Anterior and deep posterior compartment syndromes have been described with variable manifestations according to the compartment affected. We present a case of deep posterior compartment syndrome isolated to the disputed distal "subcompartment" of the leg, which had a very subtle and late presentation and was missed. The diagnosis of compartment syndrome was confirmed on MRI scan. Subsequently the patient developed a flexor hallucis longus muscle contracture that was managed nonoperatively.

[Clinical and experimental assessment of the current treatment of tibial shaft fractures]. / Lábszártörés korszerû kezelésének értékelése klinikai és kísérletes vizsgálatokkal.

Tibial shaft fractures present 15% of all fractures, which means about 2500 cases per year in Hungary. 90% of these fractures are treated surgically. Nowadays, the incidence of tibia fractures is increased, the severity of the fractures is intensified and in spite of new surgical techniques the rate of complications is not dramatically decreased. The treatment of the open tibia fractures has basically changed since the introduction of unreamed intramedullar nails. The unreamed nails turned into the primary method in the treatment of the Grade II and III open fractures and became sufficient for the fixation of the proximal and distal third tibia fractures. In Hungary, we used the Marchetti-Vicenzi nail for the treatment of tibia fractures in first time, with this method the tibial shaft and distal part fractures can be treated safely with low rate of complication. In year 1997 we prepared the treatment concept of the combination of the dynamic brace and the undreamed intramedullar nail. We proved that by the application of this method the advantages of the two treatment form could be attached and the healing period and the rehabilitation of the injured could be shortened. During the clinical exploration of the complications we proved that different pressure levels developed in the muscular compartment around the tibia during the usage of two different surgical techniques, the reamed and unreamed nailing. In the deep compartment we measured statistically higher pressure in the cases of unreamed nailing. In contrast to the literature we can draw the conclusion that there is no relationship between the compartmental pressure changes, the chance of the development of compartment syndrome and the insertion technique of the intramedullar nails. In pursuance of the basic research of the complications we investigated the muscle samples from compartment syndrome and from Volkmann ischemic contracture with differential scanning calorimetry. We proved that there is a difference between thermal features of the intact and ischemic muscles. We demonstrated that there is a close correlation between the compartmental pressure, the structural damage of muscle tissues and thermo-chemic values measured by calorimetry. Due to their sensitivity and specificity, calorimetric examinations can help and support the clinical diagnosis in atypical cases.

[Neonatal Volkmann's syndrome]. / Syndrome de Volkmann néonatal.

BACKGROUND: Acute limb compartment syndrome or Volkmann's ischaemic contracture is an acquired ischaemia of nerve and muscle causes by raised pressure within a closed fascial space. Congenital Volkmann's ischaemic contracture (CVIC) is a rare entity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 2-day-old girl was referred with a problem of the left forearm and arm, which exhibited cold oedema with decreased mobility. Lesions were present at birth and were rapidly complicated by skin necrosis. The mother was taking olazanpine, prazepam and valpromide throughout the entire pregnancy. Delivery was complicated by shoulder dystocia requiring obstetric procedures such as suprapubic pressure, Couder's maneuver and episiotomy. On physical examination her left hemi-thorax, left arm, forearm and hand exhibited marked oedema. A large and well-demarcated bullous, fibrous and ulcerated area of skin necrosis was observed on the elbow fold and on the inner anterior part of the arm. Digital flexion with cyanosis was present. MR angiography revealed extensive oedema of the soft tissue and muscle with fascial effusion, associated with compression of the arm arteries and reduced blood flow in the forearm. A fasciotomy was performed at Day 3 of life. The postsurgical arterial MRI was normal. At Day 10 of life, the patient developed opisthotonos involving spasms and tremors associated with numerous intercritical abnormalities evoking benzodiazepine weaning syndrome. The child's neurological status was stabilized by treatment with phenobarbital and clonazepam. She was subsequently lost to follow-up. DISCUSSION: CVIC has been ascribed to multiples causes. Mechanical compression is the main recognized factor: amniotic band constriction, umbilical cord loops, compression in utero by a deceased co-twin, malposition of the hand, arm or forearm, local or general factors that can add to extraction problems: brachypelvic disproportion, extraction with forceps, oligo/polyhydramnios, pre-term delivery, pre-eclampsia, caesarean section, premature labour, excessive maternal weight gain or diabetes. Our case emphasized three main points. First, the diagnostic value of early MR angiography in the event of associated extensive tissue oedema, multiple arterial compression and decreased vascular perfusion. Second, the role of shoulder dystocia in triggering the traumatic factor reported for the first time. Third, the role of neuroleptic and anxiolytic treatments taken by the mother during pregnancy. Prazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine that can cause impregnation and withdraw syndromes in neonates. Impregnation "floppy infant syndrome" is an early event characterized by hypotonia, hypoventilation and lethargy. Hypotonia and decreased foetal movements may favour prolonged pressures and malposition with secondary crush injury during delivery. Maternal medication has not been cited hitherto as an aetiological factor in neonatal compartment syndrome.

[Features of ischemic myocardial contracture after asphyxia-induced cardiac arrest in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the features of ischemic myocardial contracture after asphyxial cardiac arrest in rats. METHOD: Asphyxial cardiac arrest was induced in 8 Wistar rats, and the length and width of the heart were measured at the different time points after cardiac arrest. RESULTS: Obvious ischemic myocardial contracture occurred after the cardiac arrest, reaching the maximal contracture at 4-6 min after the arrest. CONCLUSIONS: Ischemic myocardial contracture induced by asphyxia may be an important factor affecting the outcome of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

[Review of Volkmann's ischaemic contracture]. / Attekintés a Volkmann-féle ischaemiás kontraktúráról.

The author calls the attention, with reference to the four cases observed lately, to the reappearence of the Volkmann's ischaemic contracture, which was described at the end of the 19th century, but has been almost forgotten with the developing of traumatology. It discusses the reasons of development, the results and the treatment possibilities of the illness. It emphasizes that a non-diagnosed or non-recognised forearm compartment syndrome which has been mistreated, can cause a symptom collection of different seriousness, which reduces the function of the hands considerably and which is difficult to handle. Prevention is considered to be the most important. It suggests that only an experienced specialist, who is familiar with hand surgery, should treat the developed contracture. It reveals that, differently from the classical way of its developing, nowadays the other etiological contractures are coming to the front. Therefore the important point is that not only the trauma surgeons but also the representatives of other disciplines should be aware of the rare syndrome which has serious consequences.

Ischemic contracture of deep posterior compartment of the leg following isolated ankle fracture.

Compartment syndromes and ischemic contractures after ankle fractures are exceedingly rare. We report a case in which a Weber type-C ankle fracture resulted in an unrecognized compartment syndrome and ischemic contracture of deep posterior compartment of the leg. Six weeks after injury, the patient had an obvious deformity and clawing of the toes. The deformities were corrected by lengthening the flexor hallucis longus and the flexor digitorum longus. Full correction of all clawed toes was evident. A deep posterior compartment syndrome may follow an ankle fracture and should be considered in any patient with unrelenting pain in the immediate postoperative period.