Compartment syndromes of the hand and forearm

The diagnosis and treatment of compartment syndrome remains a challenging problem in orthopedic surgery. Compartment syndrome defines a condition that occurs when the interstitial tissue pressures increase within an enclosed fascial space, preventing adequate tissue oxygenation leading to cellular necrosis of the compartments contents. The broad spectrum of causes and associated limb trauma may make assessment difficult with variable treatment outcomes. Poor outcomes of delayed treatment have contributed to compartment syndrome being one of the most common causes of litigation. We provide an overview of the history, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of compartment syndrome of the hand and forearm.