How ischemic contracture is diagnosed

Early manifestations of ischemic contracture: weakening or elimination of the radial artery pulsation, flexion of the fingers and wrist, inability to extend the fingers (thumb) and wrist automatically, and restriction of passive movement and pain. Numbness, coldness or swelling of the hand and forearm can lead to muscle necrosis and scar contracture if not treated immediately. Contracture refers to the long-term spasticity of a muscle or joint or a specific position, resulting in muscle atrophy and joint deformation and fixation, which in turn causes functional impairment and local pain. Due to its etiology, contracture is more common in the elderly, and often occurs in the limbs and nearby joints, which is an important reason that affects disease recovery and reduces the quality of life of the elderly. If a small splint or cast is too tight, it should be released immediately, otherwise the consequences are serious. If the brachial artery is injured, there is ischemic contracture, the radial artery pulsation is weakened or disappeared, and the hand is cold and painful, the brachial artery should be explored immediately, and treatment should be made according to the situation. If there is thrombosis, resection should be made to repair the vessel. In case of vasospasm, saline should be used to dilate the blood vessels. In case of vascular dissection, a contralateral anastomosis or autologous vein graft should be made to repair the vessel. In advanced cases, finger (thumb) and wrist joints are severely affected by flexion deformity and thumb inversion deformity, which severely affects hand function. Treatment involves automatic and passive straightening activities, use of straightened interphalangeal joints, abduction of the thumb and extension of the wrist in a strong spring splint; exploration of the median and ulnar nerves if necessary, lengthening of the flexor tendons, and consideration of strengthening with the radial extensor carpi radialis longus, as well as removal of the proximal row of carpal bones.