Brachial muscle injury resulting in acute compartment syndrome of the upper arm: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Background Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a potentially devastating condition. ACS is rare in the upper arm. Case presentation We report a case of acute compartment syndrome of the anterior compartment of the upper arm due to brachial muscle injury. The patient experienced abnormal progressive swelling and pain in his right upper arm, and passive pulling pain of the right wrist and right hand. It was highly suspected to be right upper arm compartment syndrome, and was confirmed by surgery. The patient transferred to the emergency operating room for fasciotomy that was performed under general anesthesia using the anterolateral approach. The brachial muscle was found to be heavily swollen and had the greatest tension. The brachial muscle fibers were split lengthwise, and a large amount of hematoma was cleared. The brachial muscles were injured and partly ruptured. After full decompression, a negative pressure drainage device was used to cover the wound in the first stage. Ten days after injury, the swelling of the affected limb subsided and the wound was sutured. The patient’s limbs completely recovered to normal. The shoulder and elbow joints could move freely and the patient resumed normal farming work ability. Conclusion Clinicians should fully recognize the fact that acute compartment syndrome can occur in the upper arm, rather than only the forearm and leg, and therefore avoid serious consequences caused by missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis.

Adipose Tissue Transfer in Dynamic Definition Liposculpture PART III. The Arms: Biceps, Triceps, and Deltoids

“…To our knowledge, there has not been any fatality or pulmonary fat embolism reported in the medical literature after IM fat grafting in a muscle other than the gluteus major, [22][23][24][25][26] or any case report of acute compartment syndrome following aesthetic procedures of the arm. [27][28][29]…”

Brachial artery injury as a complication of closed elbow dislocation, and disguised as compartment syndrome

“…The need for emergency surgical treatment, such as vascular repair, is especially necessary when dislocation of the elbow has caused interruption of arterial blood flow due to artery laceration. 2 , 17 …”