Review of Volkmann’s ischaemic contracture

Abstract

The author calls the attention, with reference to the four cases observed lately, to the reappearence of the Volkmann's ischaemic contracture, which was described at the end of the 19th century, but has been almost forgotten with the developing of traumatology. It discusses the reasons of development, the results and the treatment possibilities of the illness. It emphasizes that a non-diagnosed or non-recognised forearm compartment syndrome which has been mistreated, can cause a symptom collection of different seriousness, which reduces the function of the hands considerably and which is difficult to handle. Prevention is considered to be the most important. It suggests that only an experienced specialist, who is familiar with hand surgery, should treat the developed contracture. It reveals that, differently from the classical way of its developing, nowadays the other etiological contractures are coming to the front. Therefore the important point is that not only the trauma surgeons but also the representatives of other disciplines should be aware of the rare syndrome which has serious consequences.