Results in loss of flexion

- Volkman's ischaemic contracture is a deformity arising as a result of brachial artery spasm following injury (usually from fractures of the distal humerus).  The reduced arterial flow results in ischaemic necrosis of the forearm musculature which is eventually replaced by shortened fibrous tissue.  In the classical deformity the forearm is wasted and the wrist joint flexed with the fingers extended.  When the wrist is extended the fingers flex. 




Reference:
1. Anatomy at a Glance. Omar Faiz and David Moffat.  Blackwell Science. 2002.