Results of compartment decompression in chronic forearm compartment syndrome: six case presentations

BACKGROUND: There are few reports concerning chronic compartment syndrome producing symptoms in the forearm, although in the lower limb this is a well recognised condition. The objective was to demonstrate that chronic compartment syndrome is a cause of exercise induced forearm pain and transient upper limb dysfunction and that forearm compartment decompression can reliably relieve the associated symptoms. METHODS: Six patients with a flexor compartment chronic compartment syndrome, documented by pressure studies, had forearm compartment decompression. RESULTS: All patients had good relief of their exercise associated forearm pain following the decompression. Widening of the incisional scar was frequently reported. CONCLUSION: Forearm compartment decompression is effective in relieving the symptoms related to chronic forearm compartment syndrome.