0
Articles   |    
Management of bleeding and associated complications of hemophilia in the hand and forearm

The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery.  1977; 59:451-460 
5 Recommendations (Recommend) | 3 Comments | Saved by 3 Users Save Case
text A A A

Abstract

Hemorrhage into the hand and forearm in hemophiliacs can be devastating if not treated early and properly. Of 200 hemophiliacs followed from 1969 to 1976, thirty-four had lesions of the hand and forearm. Hemarthrosis, the most common musculo-skeletal manifestation of hemophilia, occurred in the wrist and hand on only ten occasions. Superficial hemorrhage in the seven cases seen was not followed by significant sequelae. Bleeding into the anterior muscles and into the volar aspect of the wrist, on the other hand, was complicated by contracture, neuropathy, or both in six cases. Early diagnosis, replacement of the missing clotting factor, and immobilization are essential. Fasciotomy should also be considered, though it was not done in this series. Once a Volkmann's contracture is established, surgical reconstruction is required. The fractures in the hemophiliacs in this series, as in others, healed with normal periosteal callus formation and at a normal rate. Pseudotumors of the small bones of the hand have been described but were not seen in this series. Conservative therapy is suggested. After appropriate hematological evaluation to identify the missing factor and to exclude the presence of antibodies, it is now possible to control bleeding while proceeding with the necessary treatment to restore function and prevent deformity.

Figures in this Article
    This article is only available in the PDF format. Download the PDF to view the article, as well as its associated figures and tables.

    Topics

    Accreditation Statement
    These activities have been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
    CME Activities Associated with This Article
    Submit a Comment
    Please read the other comments before you post yours. Contributors must reveal any conflict of interest.
    Comments are moderated and will appear on the site at the discretion of JBJS editorial staff.

    * = Required Field
    (if multiple authors, separate names by comma)
    Example: John Doe




    Related Articles
    Related Cases
    Related Content
    Topic Collections
    Related Audio and Videos
    PubMed Articles
    Preventing venous thromboembolic disease in patients undergoing elective hip and knee arthroplasty.
    The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Issue date- 2011 Dec
    Anti-inhibitor coagulant complex prophylaxis in hemophilia with inhibitors.
    The New England journal of medicine: Issue date- 2011 Nov 3
    Clinical Trials
    Readers of This Also Read...
    jbjs jobs
    12/22/2011
    VA - Charleston Area Medical Center
    12/22/2011
    ME - Central Maine Medical Center
    12/22/2011
    Maine - Central Maine Medical Center