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.