This 2011 JHS Current Concepts review by Leversedge et al. systematically covers upper extremity compartment syndrome — its six-stage classification, compartmental anatomy from shoulder to digit, pathophysiology, pressure measurement methods, and fasciotomy technique for each region.
When you see a high-energy upper extremity injury — especially pediatric supracondylar fracture, distal radius fracture, or brachial artery repair — maintain active suspicion for compartment syndrome: measure pressures within 5 cm of the fracture site, use the Whitesides ΔP criterion rather than an absolute number, and ensure fasciotomy includes dermatomy with individual inspection of subcompartments (pronator quadratus, deep flexor) because endoscopic or subcutaneous release alone is insufficient.
This 2011 JHS Current Concepts review by Leversedge et al. systematically covers upper extremity compartment syndrome — its six-stage classification, compartmental anatomy from shoulder to digit, pathophysiology, pressure measurement methods, and fasciotomy technique for each region.
When you see a high-energy upper extremity injury — especially pediatric supracondylar fracture, distal radius fracture, or brachial artery repair — maintain active suspicion for compartment syndrome: measure pressures within 5 cm of the fracture site, use the Whitesides ΔP criterion rather than an absolute number, and ensure fasciotomy includes dermatomy with individual inspection of subcompartments (pronator quadratus, deep flexor) because endoscopic or subcutaneous release alone is insufficient.