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. 2014 Aug;63(4):384-7.
doi: 10.7727/wimj.2013.261. Epub 2014 May 19.

A Case of Upper Limb Compartment Syndrome following Snake Envenomation: Measure Twice, Cut Once

D K Thomas  1 , E J Budhoo  2 , M M Mencia  2 , T F Ali  2 , D Santana  2
Affiliations

A Case of Upper Limb Compartment Syndrome following Snake Envenomation: Measure Twice, Cut Once

D K Thomas et al. West Indian Med J. 2014 Aug.

Abstract
in English, Spanish

We report a case of a 16-year old male patient who sustained a poisonous bite from a mapepire balsain snake on the dorsum of his left hand. The subject presented within one hour of envenomation and subsequently developed clinical features of acute compartment syndrome in the involved upper limb. Early diagnosis and emergency fasciotomy effectively treated his condition. Aggressive physiotherapy coupled with this ensured best functional outcome.

Reportamos el caso de un paciente de 16 años que sufrió una mordedura venenosa de una serpiente Bothrops atrox (conocida como “mapepire balsain” en Trinidad) en el dorso de su mano izquierda. El sujeto se presentó tras una hora del envenenamiento, y posteriormente desarrolló las características clínicas del síndrome compartimental agudo en la extremidad superior en cuestión. El diagnóstico precoz y la fasciotomía de emergencia hicieron posible un tratamiento eficaz de su condición. A esto se añadió una fisioterapia agresiva, asegurándose de este modo un resultado funcional óptimo.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1. Image of mapepire balsain puncture wounds on dorsum of left hand.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2. Cyanotic left palm.
Fig. 3A
Fig. 3A. Day four – partial closure of left forearm and palm.
Fig. 3B
Fig. 3B. Day four – tensioning suture on left dorsal surface of hand.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4. Day seven – complete closure of fasciotomy incision.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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