Compartment Syndrome of the Upper Extremity

Introduction Compartment syndrome of the upper extremity can occur in the arm, forearm,

wrist or hand. It is defined as an increased pressure build-up within an enclosed compartment sufficient to impair muscle and nerve perfusion within that compart­ ment. In the upper extremity, it most commonly occurs in the forearm secondary to trauma. Fractures of the humerus are the most common etiology.