Treatment outcomes of muscle debridement in acute upper limb compartment syndrome

Objective To introduce the procedures of muscle debridement in acute compartment syndromes and evaluate the surgical outcomes.Methods From June 2005 to March 2013,thirteen patients who sustained acute compartment syndrome underwent fasciotomy,extensive debridement of necrotic portion of the involved muscles as well as release of nerves and muscles in the meantime.Results Direct wound closure was possible in 12 patients.Delayed wound incision closure in 12 days was done in one patient.Primary wound healing was achieved in 11 patients around 3 weeks postoperatively.Nine patients obtained varied degrees of improvement in both motor and sensory functions.Five patients were follow-up for more than 3 months and they were rather satisfied with the muscle strength and sensory recovery.Conclusion In addition to fasciotomy,debridement of involved muscles can decrease the extent of muscle necrosis in acute compartment syndrome patients.It also increases the chance of direct wound closure and primary wound healing,facilitates early rehabilitation,and thus leads to much better short-term and long-term functional outcomes. Key words: Debridement;  Treatment outcome;  Compartment syndrome;  Fasciotomy