[Rare compression syndromes of the peripheral nerves of the forearm and distal leg]

Abstract

Objectives: The study presents results of rare operations of the peripheral nerves compartment syndromes of the forearm and distal leg, completed in our clinic during a 14-year period (1990-2004).

Subjects and methods: We completed 25 procedures for 25 compartment syndromes in 25 patients. All patients sufferred from unilateral compartment syndromes. The patients were operated for the first time in our clinic. None of them needed to be re-operated. The clinical pictures of the compartment syndromes were classified (three degrees) according to the Dellon's intensity classification: None of the patients sufferred from the Ist degree compression. The IInd degree occured in 4 patients (16%). The IIIrd degree occured in 21 patients (84%). The surgical procedure's effectiveness was analyzed, taking into consideration the degree of the compression, its duration and the symptoms duration.

Results: Excellent and good results were observed in all cases of the IInd degree compression and the symptoms duration up to 12 months. Worse results were recorded in the IIIrd degree compression cases, where excellent and good results were observed in 19 cases (76%). In cases, where the symptoms lasted for over 12 months, no excellent or good results were recorded.

Conclusion: The decisive factor affecting the procedure's outcome, is the degree of the compression and its duration. The main factors improving the outcome of the procedure are the following: the patient's age up to 30 years of age and the duration of the symptoms up to 1 year, when the defect is not irreversible.