The American journal of orthopedics
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Compartment syndromes of the upper arm are rare clinical entities but can be a serious problem, especially in unconscious patients or those presenting with altered mental status. A high index of suspicion is needed to make an accurate diagnosis. ⋯ Fasciotomy and débridement of necrotic and nonviable tissue are the treatments of choice for a patient with a compartment syndrome, but initiating medical management and providing medical stability for systemic complications resulting from a crush syndrome may be necessary prior to surgical intervention to prevent organ failure and death. Overall, prognosis is improved by early diagnosis and treatment.
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Hemophilia is an X-linked inherited bleeding disorder characterized by a deficiency of clotting factor VIII or IX in the intrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade. This disease can have a profound, debilitating effect on the musculoskeletal system through recurrent hemarthroses and intermuscular hematomas. ⋯ Radioactive synovectomy performed at select hemophilia centers and arthroscopic or open synovectomy are helpful for chronic, active synovitis. Arthroplasty helps improve function and pain relief for most patients, but complication rates, particularly for infection, are higher than those for arthroplasty performed on patients without hemophilia.