Compartment Syndrome of the Upper Extremity

Compartment syndrome involves the sustained elevation of interstitial tissue pressures within an osteofascial envelope to nonphysiologic levels. Tissue injury involves a spectrum from reversible to irreversible damage and, therefore, early recognition and treatment is critical for optimal outcomes. This article reviews the nature of upper extremity compartment syndrome; considers the general classification scheme and potential causes; and discusses the pertinent anatomy, pathophysiology, treatment recommendations, and outcomes for this challenging condition. (J Hand Surg 2011;36A:544-560. 2011 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.)