AJP Rep 2014; 04(02): e77-e80
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1382257
Case Report
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Neonatal Volkmann Ischemic Contracture: Case Report and Review of Literature

Hitesh Agrawal
1   Department of Pediatrics, John H Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, Illinois
,
Gunjan Dokania
1   Department of Pediatrics, John H Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, Illinois
,
Shou-Yien Wu
2   Division of Neonatology, John H Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, Illinois
3   Department of Neonatology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Chicago, Illinois
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

29 March 2014

29 April 2014

Publication Date:
24 June 2014 (online)

Abstract

Background Neonatal Volkmann ischemic contracture in newborns is a devastating condition with lifelong consequences.

Case Report We report a neonate born with necrotic skin lesions and bullae on right dorsal thenar aspect of hand, who subsequently developed compartment syndrome requiring fasciotomy.

Review and Conclusion Necrotic skin lesions with/without swelling, bullae are invariably present at birth in these patients and should be recognized as a sentinel finding of underlying tissue ischemia/compartment syndrome. Early recognition and prompt surgical intervention can be limb saving. A range of radiologic abnormalities and contractures were noted in upto 84% of such patients followed long term. Hence, we recommend close follow-up until occurrence of epiphyseal fusion in these patients.