Compartment syndrome of the hand is a clinical entity with potential devastating consequences in terms of loss of function and quality of life outcomes if not diagnosed or treated early. We report a case of compartment syndrome of the hand caused by a crush injury in a young caucasian man. The surgical treatment was planned as two-steps surgery: the first procedure included early fasciotomies, percutaneous fracture fixation where it was possible, carpal tunnel decompression and retention suture application. After one week primary closure of the fasciotomies and the open reduction and internal fixation of a fracture dislocation of the base of a metacarpal bone were performed. The outcome was good with a DASH score of 6,5 and no residual pain. The review of the literature is focused on providing surgeons practical elements to diagnose and treat compartment syndrome of the hand and the associated lesions, such as fractures, tendons lesions, skin problems and nerve compression.
Key words: Compartment syndrome, trauma, decompression, fasciotomy, fractures
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