Neonatal Volkmann Ischemic Contracture: Case Report and Review of Literature

Hitesh Agrawal; Gunjan Dokania; Shou-Yien Wu

doi:10.1055/s-0034-1382257

American Journal of Perinatology Reports, Table of Contents

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

Authors

Hitesh Agrawal

¹Department of Pediatrics, John H Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, Illinois
Gunjan Dokania

¹Department of Pediatrics, John H Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, Illinois
Shou-Yien Wu

²Division of Neonatology, John H Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, Illinois

³Department of Neonatology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Chicago, Illinois

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.

Keywords

neonatal Volkmann ischemic contracture - neonatal extremity gangrene - skin necrosis - contracture

Full Text

References

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