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VascularJanuary 3, 2011

Case of the Week — January Case #1: Painful Forearm

25 yo WM presents with increasing right forearm pain and swelling for the past 6 days. He is 5 weeks status post fasciotomy for stab wound to the R forearm and resultant compartment syndrome. Patient denies erythema, fever, chills, or odor/purulence of the incision sites. He does endorse chronic numbness of the right 2nd digit since the injury. The pain is throbbing. He is undergoing physical therapy, but has been gradually decreasing compliance with sessions secondary to the increasing pain.

PMHx: Anemia, secondary to blood loss

PSHx: R volar forearm fasciotomy 5 weeks ago

Meds: Percocet, Gabapentin

Allergies: NKDA

FHx: negative

Soc Hx: occasional ETOH, chews tobacco

PE: Vitals: BP: 132/78, Pulse: 101, RR: 16, Temp: 98.8, Pox: 100%

GEN: A&O x 3, NAD

HEENT: NCAT

CV: RRR, no M/R/G, HR 92 now

RESP: CTA B

ABD: soft, NTND, +BS

EXT: 2+ radial pulses bilaterally, R forearm tight and significantly swollen. Granulation tissue present over fasciotomy sites. No evidence of erythema. No purulence. No axillary lymphadenopathy. Decreased light touch sensation to all fingers on R hand. Wrist held in flexion, with limited extension secondary to pain.

Bedside ultrasound of the right forearm is performed. What's the Diagnosis? Thanks to special guest contributer, Dr. Murray Baker, for this case! Excellant job!

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Ultrasound clips

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Originally published on our teaching blog — view source post

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