Purpose
A muscle hernia is defined as a protrusion of the muscle belly through an acquired
or congenital fascial defect. A nontraumatic herniation may occur through congenital
fascial defects or be acquired by means of exertion, blunt trauma, or a penetrating
injury. In this study, our aim was to review our experience with this rare condition
and report the results of surgical treatment of these cases.
Methods
During the period between January 1, 2014, and August 30, 2018, 12 cases of symptomatic
muscle hernia in the upper limb were included in our study: 9 cases involving the
forearm and 3 cases involving the arm. All patients underwent direct repair of their
fascial defect with overlapping of the deep fascia using nonabsorbable sutures.
Results
There were improvements in postoperative pain, swelling, appearance, weakness, and
paresthesia. There was significant improvement in the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder
and Hand score from a mean of 51.8 before surgery to 6.9 after surgery. The mean period
to return to activities of daily living was 18 days (range, 15–20 days).
Conclusions
Muscle hernia in the upper limb is an uncommon condition that can be successfully
treated.
Type of study/level of evidence
Therapeutic IV.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 19, 2021
Accepted:
April 26,
2021
Received:
February 11,
2019
Footnotes
No benefits in any form have been received or will be received related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. All rights reserved.
