Isolated compartment syndrome of the pronator quadratus compartment: A case report

We present a case of compartment syndrome that involves the pronator quadratus space but does not affect any of the other forearm compartments. Symptoms consisted of pain out of proportion to examination findings, splinting of the forearm in a 30degrees pronated position, and severe pain with passive supination. Diagnosis was confirmed with pressure measurements of all forearm compartments at the time of surgery. Symptoms resolved promptly with isolated release of the pronator quadratus compartment with concomitant reduction in compartment pressure in that one compartment. Copyright (C) 2004 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.