Brachial artery compression by the lacertus fibrosus. 1994

F H Bassett, and R J Spinner, and T A Schroeter
Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710.

Five patients presented with classic symptoms diagnostic of intermittent claudication that were exacerbated by strenuous activity. Examination demonstrated localized tenderness over the lacertus fibrosus (bicipital aponeurosis), as well as increased pain and an obliterated radial pulse with forearm pronation and resisted elbow flexion. All 5 were athletes who had hypertrophied forearm muscles. Patients were diagnosed with brachial artery compression by the lacertus fibrosus. Release of the lacertus fibrosus restored normal pulses in all cases. Followup ranged from 6 months to 25 years. Full clinical recovery was achieved in 3 patients. One patient had a good result and 1 a fair result. Although the lacertus fibrosus has been well described as a cause of neural compression and compartment syndrome, it has been reported only once to cause intermittent arterial compromise. Hypertrophy of the muscles and the lacertus fibrosus related to excessive use is an important factor in the development of isolated vascular, neural, or combined neurovascular lesions.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D006984 Hypertrophy General increase in bulk of a part or organ due to CELL ENLARGEMENT and accumulation of FLUIDS AND SECRETIONS, not due to tumor formation, nor to an increase in the number of cells (HYPERPLASIA). Hypertrophies
D007383 Intermittent Claudication A symptom complex characterized by pain and weakness in SKELETAL MUSCLE group associated with exercise, such as leg pain and weakness brought on by walking. Such muscle limpness disappears after a brief rest and is often relates to arterial STENOSIS; muscle ISCHEMIA; and accumulation of LACTATE. Claudication, Intermittent
D008297 Male Males
D009132 Muscles Contractile tissue that produces movement in animals. Muscle Tissue,Muscle,Muscle Tissues,Tissue, Muscle,Tissues, Muscle
D011403 Pronation Applies to movements of the forearm in turning the palm backward or downward. When referring to the foot, a combination of eversion and abduction movements in the tarsal and metatarsal joints (turning the foot up and in toward the midline of the body). Pronations
D001916 Brachial Artery The continuation of the axillary artery; it branches into the radial and ulnar arteries. Arteries, Brachial,Artery, Brachial,Brachial Arteries
D003251 Constriction, Pathologic The condition of an anatomical structure's being constricted beyond normal dimensions. Stenosis,Stricture,Constriction, Pathological,Pathologic Constriction,Constrictions, Pathologic,Pathologic Constrictions,Pathological Constriction,Stenoses,Strictures
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000293 Adolescent A person 13 to 18 years of age. Adolescence,Youth,Adolescents,Adolescents, Female,Adolescents, Male,Teenagers,Teens,Adolescent, Female,Adolescent, Male,Female Adolescent,Female Adolescents,Male Adolescent,Male Adolescents,Teen,Teenager,Youths
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults

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