[Acute compartment syndrome as a complication of a distal forearm fracture: apropos of a case of a child].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

We describe a case of acute volar compartment syndrome of the forearm occurred after fracture of the diaphyseal-metaphyseal junction of the distal radius and ulna.

MATERIAL

A 7-year-old child fell down steps and injured his left forearm.

METHODS

After reduction, the patient developed clinical signs of volar forearm compartment syndrome. Measurement of intramuscular pressure by the saline injection technique confirmed the diagnosis.

RESULTS

Early decompressive fasciotomy led to uneventful healing with no residual symptoms.

DISCUSSION

We discuss the mechanism, diagnosis and treatment of this injury.

CONCLUSION

The development of suspicious clinical signs should be supplemented by compartment pressure measurements to determine the need of surgical decompression.