Archives of Plastic Surgery

Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (대한성형외과학회)
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Severe Flexor Digitorum Profundus Muscular Adhesion by Pseudo-Volkmann's Contracture without Fracture: A Case Report and Literature Review

  • Jae Woo Kim (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Gwangmyeong Sungae General Hospital) ;
  • Jong Chan Kim (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, National Police Hospital) ;
  • Sung Hoon Koh (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Gwangmyeong Sungae General Hospital) ;
  • Jin Soo Kim (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Gwangmyeong Sungae General Hospital) ;
  • Si Young Roh (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Gwangmyeong Sungae General Hospital) ;
  • Kyung Jin Lee (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Gwangmyeong Sungae General Hospital) ;
  • Dong Chul Lee (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Gwangmyeong Sungae General Hospital)
  • Received : 2024.04.09
  • Accepted : 2024.08.17
  • Published : 2024.11.15
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Abstract

Volkmann's ischemic contracture is a condition characterized by permanent ischemic damage to muscles and nerves due to vascular insufficiency, resulting in flexion contractures of the affected limb. In contrast, pseudo-Volkmann's contracture presents with similar clinical features but lacks ischemic damage and has the potential for complete recovery. We report a case of a 39-year-old man who developed failure of extension in the middle and ring fingers of the left hand following blunt forearm trauma from a rolling machine. Despite no skin breakage or fracture, his symptoms progressively worsened over 2 months without treatment. Surgical exploration 2 years later revealed severe adhesions of the flexor digitorum profundus muscle at the myotendinous junction to the ulnar periosteum, with immediate recovery after release. This case highlights pseudo-Volkmann's contracture in an adult without fracture, likely due to blunt trauma causing delayed adhesion formation.

Keywords

References

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