Volkmann ischemic muscle contracture

Volkmann’s ischemic muscle contracture, seen primarily in fascial compartment syndrome of the forearm. If left untreated or inadequately treated, the pressure within the interfascial compartment will continue to rise until irreversible tissue ischemia occurs. This results in muscle necrosis, contracture and scarring of tissues, which leads to a series of symptoms such as muscle-tendon dysfunction, joint deformation and nerve compression. Its typical manifestations include flexion of the elbow joint, rotation of the forearm forward, wrist flexion, thumb inversion, metacarpophalangeal joint extension and interphalangeal joint flexion. Depending on the severity of the condition, there may be a particular joint, or part of a muscle that is still functional. In general, the scar is released and the necrotic muscle is removed in the early stages. In the later stages, tendon displacement, muscle displacement, and nerve release are performed. It also includes the release of the joint and the removal of muscle contracture tissue that affects the function of the joint.