CONGENITAL VOLKMANN ISCHEMIC CONTRACTURE – A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Congenital Volkmann's ischemic contracture is a rare disease observed in infants soon after birth, charac- terized clinically by a necrotic plaque usually located on an upper limb and accompanied by flaccid paralysis. It occurs in the intrauterine period and arises due to mechanical compression of the limb. The malpositioning of the limb, the constriction by amniotic band, the presence of oligohydramnios and dystocia are some of the possible factors involved. The compression leads to a compartment syndrome that induces ischemia and necrosis of the skin, muscles and nerves. The treatment is surgical, requiring debridement of the necrosis and possible use of a skin graft.

We report a case of a 2-days-old newborn with a congenital Volkmann ischemic contracture of the left arm, induced by the presence of oligohydramnios.

KEYWORDS – Ischemic Contracture/Congenital; Infant, Newborn; Fat Necrosis; Skin Ulcer.