Acute compartment syndrome of the forearm following manipulation under anaesthesia for atypical wrist injury

Acute compartment syndrome of the forearm may arise from various causes. The aetiology, diagnosis and treatment have been the subject of several reviews. However, isolated wrist injury leading to acute compartment syndrome is rare. We report an unusual combination of bony and soft tissue trauma to the wrist leading to acute compartment syndrome in a young male. A combination of a high index of suspicion and prompt intervention was used to prevent the devastating sequel that could have arisen from this condition.