A Patient Broke His Arm in a Sports Accident and Required

A patient broke his arm in a sports accident and required the application of a cast. Shortly following application, the patient complained of an inability to straighten his fingers and was subsequently diagnosed with Volkmann contracture. What pathophysiologic process caused this complication?

A) Obstructed arterial blood flow to the forearm and hand
B) Simultaneous pressure on the ulnar and radial nerves
C) Irritation of Merkel cells in the patients skin surfaces
D) Uncontrolled muscle spasms in the patients forearm