[Ischemic necrosis of the deep extensors of the forearm: a rare compartment syndrome].

The ischemic compartment syndrome is thought to develop following an unphysiological pressure increase in one of the numerous muscular compartments of the extremities, confined by bone surface and strong fascia. Pressure-induced ischemia may cause partial or total necrosis of the vulnerable structures in the compartment. This ischemic compression syndrome was found in the deep extensor compartment of the distal forearm in a young female patient following osteotomy of the ulna. The syndrome at this rather unusual site was not diagnosed and treated in the acute phase. Resection of fibrotic, contracted musculature (extensor indicis proprius, extensor pollicis longus and brevis and abductor pollicis longus) and tendon transfer were performed to restore useful function.