Recurrent Dorsal Compartment Syndrome of the Upper Arm After Blunt Trauma

Compartment syndrome is not uncommon in the forearm or lower extremity, but it is relatively rare in the upper arm. This rarity might delay the diagnosis, especially in the unconscious or intoxicated patient. Therefore, a high index of suspicion is needed to make an accurate, early diagnosis. Although excessive muscle strain leading to localized compartment syndrome is seldom encountered in the upper arm, three cases of compartment syndrome in the upper arm after blunt injury have been reported. Interestingly, there were no bony injuries in any of these patients. However, there are only two reports of isolated dorsal compartment syndrome after blunt trauma. The present report presents the case of a patient who had blunt trauma to the upper arm that resulted in the development of compartment syndrome in the isolated dorsal compartment of the upper arm.