Clinical review: Volkmann's ischaemic contracture.

Abstract

Volkmann's ischaemic contracture is a devastating condition with serious motor and sensory functional implications for the affected limb. This clinical review outlines acute compartment syndrome and Volkmann's ischaemic contracture, their presentation, evolution and current management. This up-to-date clinical review is aimed at both specialist and non-specialist healthcare professionals who can play a key role in the early recognition of signs and symptoms to allow prevention of the condition. No Cochrane reviews are currently available regarding Volkmann's ischaemic contracture. Medline, EMBASE and Scopus databases were searched using the MeSH terms 'Volkmann's ischaemic/ischemic contracture' and 'compartment syndrome'. Current guidelines were referred to. Prevention is essential regarding Volkmann's ischaemic contracture. This can be achieved through careful observation of patients sustaining high-risk extremity injuries, notably, children with supracondylar fractures of the humerus, and immediate decompression if signs and symptoms of a compartment syndrome are present. Increased awareness amongst doctors of compartment syndrome is fundamental and will allow early recognition, clinical diagnosis and subsequent fasciotomy.