[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Anatomy](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/) › [Upper limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/upper-limb/) › Antebrachial fascia [Muscular system](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/muscular-system/) · [Upper limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/upper-limb/) # Antebrachial fascia The antebrachial fascia is the sleeve around the forearm muscles; it forms compartments where swelling can cause compartment syndrome. [See in 3D →](https://durgical.app/?from=durgipedia&lang=en#region=upper_limb&select=antebrachial_fascia&side=r) Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed. ## What it is The sleeve of deep fascia around the forearm muscles. ## What it does Forms the forearm compartments; swelling inside them can cause compartment syndrome. ## Key points - Three compartments: volar (flexors and pronators), dorsal (extensors) and the mobile wad ([brachioradialis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/brachioradialis/), [ECRL](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/extensor-carpi-radialis-longus/), [ECRB](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/extensor-carpi-radialis-brevis/)); the deep volar muscles (FDP, FPL) suffer first in compartment syndrome - Volkmann ischaemic contracture: untreated compartment syndrome scars the deep flexors, leaving a flexed wrist and clawed fingers; classically after a child's supracondylar fracture - A gap of under 30 mmHg between diastolic pressure and compartment pressure is the commonly used threshold for fasciotomy ## Key facts **Where** Deep fascia of the forearm; thickens into the retinacula at the wrist **Function** Encloses the forearm compartments (tight in compartment syndrome) ## Relations **Contents** Volar: superficial layer ([pronator teres](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/pronator-teres/), [flexor carpi radialis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/flexor-carpi-radialis/), [palmaris longus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/palmaris-longus/), [flexor carpi ulnaris](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/flexor-carpi-ulnaris/)), FDS, then FDP, FPL and [pronator quadratus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/pronator-quadratus/), with the median and ulnar nerves; dorsal: extensors and the [posterior interosseous nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/posterior-interosseous-nerve/) **Superficial** Cephalic, basilic and median forearm veins; the [lateral forearm skin nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/lateral-antebrachial-cutaneous-nerve/) and [medial forearm skin nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/medial-antebrachial-cutaneous-nerve/) **Deep** Septa from its deep surface reach the [radius](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/radius/) and [ulna](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/ulna/); behind, it is fixed along the subcutaneous border of the ulna **Above** Continuous with the [brachial fascia](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/brachial-fascia/); strengthened at the elbow by the bicipital aponeurosis **Below** Thickens into the [extensor retinaculum](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/extensor-retinaculum-of-the-wrist/) behind and the palmar carpal ligament in front, over the flexor retinaculum ## How to find it Its posterior attachment follows the subcutaneous border of the ulna, felt as a continuous ridge from the olecranon to the ulnar styloid. The mobile wad can be pinched between thumb and fingers on the lateral side of the forearm below the elbow. ## On imaging On ultrasound a bright line, and on MRI a thin dark line, wrapping the forearm compartments and thickening at the wrist into the retinacula. In compartment syndrome after a forearm fracture, the radiograph shows the fracture but the diagnosis rests on examination and compartment pressure; imaging must not delay fasciotomy. CT or MRI shows gas or fluid along the fascia in necrotising fasciitis. ## Common problems - Compartment syndrome: after a fracture, crush or tight cast, pressure builds in a forearm compartment and starves muscles and nerves. - Warning signs: pain out of proportion, especially when the fingers are stretched; tight, swollen forearm. ## How it is diagnosed An emergency diagnosis from the exam, sometimes with a compartment pressure measurement. ## Treatment - Loosening casts and dressings right away. - Emergency fasciotomy (opening the fascia) to relieve the pressure. ## Clinical notes - Volar fasciotomy: a curving incision from above the elbow to the palm releases the bicipital aponeurosis, the volar compartment and the [carpal tunnel](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/carpal-tunnel/); a straight dorsal incision releases the dorsal compartment and mobile wad if needed - Causes include supracondylar and forearm fractures, crush, reperfusion after arterial repair, infiltrated intravenous fluid and tight casts - Chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the forearm is described in motorcycle riders and rowers ## Related conditions - [Volkmann ischaemic contracture](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/volkmann-ischaemic-contracture/) ## Test yourself Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it. ## What are the three compartments enclosed by the antebrachial fascia? Volar (flexors and pronators), dorsal (extensors) and the mobile wad (brachioradialis, ECRL, ECRB). ## What is Volkmann ischaemic contracture? Untreated forearm compartment syndrome scars the deep flexors, leaving a flexed wrist and clawed fingers; classically after a child's supracondylar fracture. ## What pressure threshold is commonly used for forearm fasciotomy? A gap of under 30 mmHg between diastolic pressure and compartment pressure. ## What are the warning signs of forearm compartment syndrome? Pain out of proportion, especially when the fingers are stretched, and a tight, swollen forearm. [Add to my cards (4)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/anatomy/antebrachial-fascia/) Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional. ## Its names **Official Latin (TA2)** fascia antebrachii TA2 2544 **Official Spanish (DeCS)** Fascia del antebrazo **English (TA2)** Antebrachial fascia ## Related - [Brachial fascia](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/brachial-fascia/) Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Forearm Compartments](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539784/). ## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake Representative model, for educational purposes only. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/antebrachial-fascia/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/antebrachial-fascia/