Volkmann's Contracture
Original Editors
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Search Strategy[edit | edit source]
First I’ve used the databases PubMed, Pedro, Google Scholar and Web of Knowledge. I’ve searched in the library of the Brussels Free University for related articles.
Keywords I have used in my literature search were: Volkmann's contracture, ischemic muscle, Acute compartment syndrome and physiotherapy.
By combining the keywords I found very usable literature.
I’ve searched in the medical library of the VUB, and found a number of books where the disease is described in (see references below)
Definition/Description[edit | edit source]
A Volkmann contracture is a shortening of the muscles of the forearm as a result of a trauma such as: fractures, crush injuries, burns and arterial injuries.
Following this trauma, there is a deficit in the arterio venous circulation in the forearm. This is the result of an injury of the arteria brachialis. This causes a decreased blood flow and the hypoxia can lead to the damage of muscles, nerves and vascular endothelium.
This results in a shortening (contracture) of the muscles in the forearm.
Clinically Relevant Anatomy[edit | edit source]
The bones are an important factor in a Volkmann contracture. We can see that the humerus of the forearm is often involved in Volkmann’s contracture. A fracture of the supracondylary space causes a deficit in the circulation of the arteria brachialis (brachial artery).
It is caused by the blocking of the circulation and deficit in supply of blood that the muscles and nerves malfunction. There is a contraction of the muscles.
The muscles who are usually involved are the flexors of the wrist. Yet there is also a contracture occur in the extensors of the wrist, but this is less common. If it occurs it will heal faster.
Musles who are involved:
Superficial flexors:
- Musculus pronator teres (median nerve innervation)
- Musculus flexor carpi radialis (median nerve innervation)
- Musculus flexor carpi ulnaris (ulnar nerve innervation)
- Musculus flexor digitorum superfiscialis (median nerve innervation)
- Musculus palmaris longus (median nerve innervation)
Deep flexors:
- Musculus flexor pollicis longus (median nerve innervation)
- Musculus pronator quadratus (median nerve innervation)
- Musculus flexor digitorum profundus (median nerve innervation)
Epidemiology /Etiology[edit | edit source]
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References[edit | edit source]
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